PORT Adelaide will assess Chad Wingard's ankle injury during the week, but he appears to be in significant doubt for the Power's clash against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval next Saturday night.
Wingard hurt his left ankle in the third quarter of the Power's 23-point loss to the Demons and was helped from the field in the hands of trainers after lying on the turf in clear discomfort.
As Wingard attempted to kick a dribble kick tucked up in the pocket, Demons defender Sam Frost fell over his foot, as he attempted to smother the ball, and Wingard's ankle became caught between Frost's body and the ground.
Wingard had his ankle re-strapped, and reportedly struggled to get his boot back on due to the swelling around his foot, and returned to the field for a brief moment before the club's medical staff decided enough was enough.
Five talking points: Melbourne v Port Adelaide
"He sprained his ankle pretty bad," Hinkley said.
"He wanted to go back out there and try it out in the last quarter but from the first jump (his attempted specky attempt) you could tell that he wasn't quite right.
"We'll just assess it and see how it comes up. Normally, there's a chance, like Paddy (Ryder) you can get up and play the next week.
"But as we've always done we won't risk it. We'll just make sure we look after him the best way we can."
WATCH: Ken Hinkley's full post-match media conference
Wingard's injury was just one of the low points in a forgettable day for Hinkley's side.
Port Adelaide failed to properly cope with Melbourne's pressure in the first half, getting badly beaten in the clearances (26-11), contested possessions (95-74) and inside 50s (36-18).
The Power did not allow themselves to get blown out of the water in the second half as they staged a fightback, but the damage was done early and it was the difference in the game according to Hinkley.
"We were just totally outplayed. They were more physical than us… we don't hide. It was just a poor, poor start by us in the contest," Hinkley said.
"We didn't seem to enjoy the fight or the contest and got steamrolled a bit on the inside. We don't normally lose inside 50s as badly as we did (45-62)."
Port Adelaide could have solidified its place in the top four with a win over Melbourne, but could not take the opportunity when it was presented.
"That's the challenge of this competition and for our group is to continually get up and play hard competitive football every week," Hinkley said.
"By the end of the year, the most challenging teams will be the teams that play (hard, contested football) when it counts the most."
Hinkley hinted there could be a few changes for the Power's match against the Saints.
Defenders Jack Hombsch and Jasper Pittard would appear to be among those pressing their claims after being omitted from the side in recent weeks.
"We've been pretty good for the most part and even today in the second half we gave ourselves a fighting chance," Hinkley said.
"We were really disappointed we put ourselves in that position, that's unacceptable.
"But if I'm playing tomorrow (Sunday) for the (Port Adelaide) Magpies and I'm looking for an opportunity then I'd be pretty bullish in how I went about it and give it my absolute best to try to claim a spot.
"That's what happens – if you leave a door open someone will come in."
