The Giants managed 39 clearances to the Power's 24, and the rookie coach was frank in his assessment of the discrepancy.
"I thought our clearances overall were a bit awful," Hinkley said.
"The numbers will say that, and we've got some work to do in that area.
"This was a young team, but the same young team that we played against got hold of Sydney in the clearances last week too.
"They're doing some really good work."
Superior fitness was a major difference between the two sides, with the Power able to pile on 11 second-half goals from 22 scoring shots to the Giants' five from 12.
Giants coach Kevin Sheedy admitted it was upsetting his young side still couldn't manage to run an entire game out.
"We went out there to play damn good footy but we didn't do that for 120 minutes of the night," Sheedy said. "That's disappointing."
Hinkley and vice captain Brad Ebert both praised their opposition saying the Giants performed admirably, particularly early in the match as they took an 11 point lead into quarter time.
An emotional build-up to deceased Power player John McCarthy's tribute match also played a factor in Port's slow start.
Players' tributes were aired pre-match at AAMI Stadium and both sides observed a minute's silence.
Ebert dedicated his final-term goal to McCarthy, kissing his black armband in celebration.
"Running out under the [tribute] banner and obviously reading it, and seeing 'J-Mac's' brother and sisters…it was a little bit emotional," Ebert said.
"We were able to settle into the game and I think a little bit of composure came into it."
Hinkley said the players' ability to conquer their emotions and come away with another big win meant Saturday night's victory was an important one.
"From what the boys went through this week - I think this week was significant in that they were able to come out and get the result that we did," he said.
"But as a club, we want to look at each round and say that we performed as we should in each of those rounds and be happy with what we were able to deliver.
"We were like that tonight."
Hinkley said forward Jay Schulz would be monitored over the weekend after he was subbed out of Saturday night's match at three-quarter time with an ankle injury.
The coach was confident both Schulz and Hamish Hartlett, who had a bruised back, would be fit to play in next weekend's Showdown against Adelaide.
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
