PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley stopped short of declaring it his greatest win as a coach, but couldn't hide his delight at his side's ability to pull off a 28-point upset over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.
Going into the clash the Power had lost their past seven games at the Swans' home ground, but their relentless pressure on the opposition and attack on the footy saw Hinkley's side dominate the contested possession count 161-139, and the clearances 47-40, as they kicked eight goals to four after half-time.
Midfield bull Ollie Wines grabbed a game-high 33 touches and nine clearances, while Brad Ebert racked up 11 tackles and 25 possessions, and captain Travis Boak celebrated his 200th game with 26 disposals and two goals.
"It's a big win for us obviously up here because we haven't done it for such a long time, so it's certainly one of the proudest days I've had since I've been here," Hinkley said after the match.
"We knew the challenge, we absolutely respect the Swans, but I think that some of the stuff we've worked on closely as a football club over summer is starting to come through a little bit.
"It's only one game but it's a great start for us as a football club, it's a tough start to the footy season and these early wins can obviously help you."
WATCH: Ken Hinkley's full post-match press conference
Ruckman Paddy Ryder was instrumental for Port in his first senior match in 567 days, as he made his return from his doping ban as part of the Essendon saga, one to remember.
The athletic big man was influential in the centre square and at stoppages around the ground with 28 hit outs and four clearances, working in tandem with Jackson Trengove.
"We've missed Paddy there's no doubt about that, I mean any club that has a player of his ability taken away for 12 months finds it difficult," Hinkley said.
"He's a pretty good recruit to bring back into your football club, Paddy was pretty excited and we love having him in the team obviously, he's a popular person.
"With great respect to 'Jacko' (Jackson Trengove), it's always nice to know where it's going a bit more, and that’s what Paddy does for us, he gives us that little edge."
While his coach and no doubt his teammates warmly welcomed Ryder's return, the debut of draftee Sam Powell-Pepper would have been equally exciting.
The West Australian, who was the Power's second selection (18th overall) at last year's NAB AFL draft, booted two goals from 19 touches, had seven clearances, and played with the hardness that brought a huge smile to Hinkley's face after the game.
"I'm sure our recruiters and list managers will be pretty pleased with some of the decisions that were made in the off-season now," he said.
"We've gone after a certain style of footballer and Sam demonstrated that really well for us.
"It's his first game and he's got a lot of footy to play yet, but he certainly brings the part of the game that you love the most, and that’s competitiveness."
