THE PORTRAIT of Ken Hinkley painted from outside Port Adelaide often resembles a man reliant on emotion and old-school passion to spark his playing group.
It's a painting inspired by behind-the-scenes vision of the coach set to an emotive soundtrack, or that of his 2003 Geelong Football League Grand Final speech to Bell Park.
As spine-tingling as the vision is, don't be fooled; the legend of Hinkley as a firebrand orator is merely part of the story.
Of course, Hinkley does evoke tremendous feeling from his players – like any great coach – but the Power's former captain Dom Cassisi told AFL.com.au Hinkley was much more than an emotional muse.
Cassisi played under the former Gold Coast and Geelong assistant from his appointment as Power coach in October, 2012, until Cassisi's retirement earlier this year.
He said Hinkley's tactical brain was up there with the best in the business and his attention to detail meant his players quickly adapted to a culture of incredible professionalism off the field.
"Everyone sees the way he uses (Justin) Westhoff in certain parts of the game which causes opposition headaches, or swings things around in the midfield," Cassisi said.
"Even Phil Walsh (Power midfield manager), who I regard as one of the smartest footy brains in the industry, he speaks volumes about Kenny's tactical brain.
"The first thing we knew with him was that he doesn't miss anything, if anyone was going to take shortcuts they wouldn't have gotten past him.
"He just really valued the little things.
"When times are tough, you often look to change the big picture, but he taught us 'you know what guys? It's all the little things that matter' they all stack up and slowly we'll start to overcome teams above us on the ladder."
It's not just his players who have bought into Hinkley's regime; the Power faithful are crazy for him.
Gathered after the club's brilliant come-from-behind semi-final win over Fremantle last weekend and while wearing T-shirts displaying a pop-art image of Hinkley's face, they chanted an altered version of Barack Obama's famous 2008 presidential campaign catch phrase.
"Yes we Ken," they cheered, "yes we Ken!"
While he's much more than a suburban inspirer, it's impossible to avoid mentioning the pull Hinkley has on his players.
Like a good father, he knows when to talk tough but he knows when to soften, or when to protect.
Robbie Gray had just been crowned the Coaches Association Player of the Year and agreed to speak to the media as the Power prepared to take on the Dockers in the semi-final.
Hinkley made it clear that the press conference was to be about Gray's award – not the upcoming clash.
Inevitably, a question about Gray's predicted match-up on Docker Ryan Crowley was asked – Ken bit his tongue.
When a follow-up question was asked Hinkley interrupted, strongly reminding the media of the theme of the group interview.
Gray didn't need Hinkley to step in – he's 26 years old, a grown man.
But a little smile crept over his lips as if to confirm, 'Kenny's got my back'.
More than anything else, Cassisi said it was this trust that Hinkley has instilled within the squad that players were drawn to.
"He's really honest, but he's got empathy as well, you just want to play for him – I'm not really sure exactly what it is – but you feel like you don't want to let him down," he said.
"He loves the playing group and they love him, but the love's based on honesty and trust.
"Kenny talks about life, he talks footy but he talks life too.
"He's a big believer that you've got to live a good, solid life and conduct yourself and treat people well to have a good football career."
