A selfless attitude resulted in the Lions overcoming an all-conquering Essendon outfit in round 10, 2001 and a love for each other saw them beat the reigning premiers again in the Grand Final – their first of three consecutive flags. 

 

Admired as a team man during his playing days, Hart's coaching attitude follows the same philosophy: success is born from sacrifice.

 

Having joined the Power after a five-year coaching stint at Gold Coast, Hart told AFL.com.au he saw the same culture developing at Alberton.

 

"What I think you see here is belief in a message and the ability to execute a predictable style of play which can be executed at a level that succeeds in football games," Hart said.

 

"Ultimately the things that help you survive the pressure of finals very much come down to selfless character … a culture where there's such a level of trust and love, which is a strange word for footballers, that you just know players will continue to do the right thing.

 

"That happened at Brisbane in that breakthrough game in round 10, 2001 - know your role, accept your role, play your role was the mantra that came out of that week.

 

"By doing that they'll get the reward they're after."

 

Hart's appointment at Port came after Alan Richardson, credited so highly with the club's 2012 revival, joined St Kilda as head coach in November.

 

Hart said the inevitable comparisons to Richardson were irrelevant.

 

"The difference is that I'm not 'Richo' and Richo's not me," he said.

 

"The job description I've been given is all I can concentrate on and I'm not even bothered about the comparison there … maybe in the media you guys will compare us, but all I intend to do is bring everything I can.

 

"Richo had more experience, yes, without a doubt, but my history with Ken maybe gives me a greater understanding of what he believes and what he wants."

 

Hart and Hinkley developed a bond working alongside each other at the Suns for three seasons from 2010-2012.

 

Having lived on the Gold Coast for the past 24 years after moving there to play for the Brisbane Bears in 1989, Hart said his trust in Hinkley played a significant part in luring him and his family south.

 

"I certainly wouldn't have left, even to potentially take this role, unless I had someone I knew believed in me and who I believed in as well," he said.

 

"When I talk about chemistry, that two-way belief is huge to be able to step out of the comfort zone … you need to know someone has faith in you."

 

The Lions legend has certainly timed his migration well.

 

The Power rebounded from a horror few seasons superbly last year and with a host of both young and experienced talent firing, the future looks bright.

 

But while the fans flock to watch the likes of Chad Wingard, Travis Boak and Ollie Wines, Hart's soft spot, perhaps unsurprisingly, is for more unheralded players.

 

He knows the club needs its stars, but he likes to recognise "grunt players", such as Matthew Lobbe, Brad Ebert, Matthew Broadbent and Tom Logan.

 

"There's always exciting players, I've come from a club where there's some amazingly exciting players – Jaeger O'Meara, Jack Martin," he said.

 

"What I love about footy clubs are the blokes who, yes they've got enough talent to play the game, but what they actually bring is such commitment to the bigger picture.

 

"They're the guys who actually cause you to get somewhere near where you're aiming.

 

"You can't be without the superstars, but it's the grunt players who support the whole foundation…they're the ones who most impress me."

 

Twitter: @AFL_Harry