Despite being fully fit, ex-captain Dom Cassisi was forced to play in the SANFL last weekend and there's no guarantee he'll play in Sunday's Showdown against Adelaide.
Westhoff said the entire playing group had embraced Hinkley and senior assistant Alan Richardson's equality principles.
"Ken has come in and Alan Richardson as well, with no excuses, everyone's playing on their own merit and [there's no] difference between a first-game guy and a 200-game guy," he said.
"There's no difference to how they're treated and that's probably something we've struggled with in the past … everyone's jumped on board.
"They've just brought in a no-holds-barred attitude, which I think we needed."
Westhoff has flourished under the club's new coaching setup.
Often labeled laconic and too inconsistent, the 26-year-old has taken a big step towards silencing his critics with two sensational performances to start the season.
His 25-disposal, five-goal, 14-mark effort against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night was possibly the best game he's played in his 113-match career.
With an outstanding pre-season behind him, Westhoff said a more diverse role under Hinkley had made him a smarter player and helped him influence games even if he was down on form early.
"'Kenny's' used me a little bit more all over the ground, [which] probably puts more emphasis back on myself, getting to know the backline and the midfield structures … that's helped me read the game a little bit better.
"I think it probably helps me more if I'm struggling up forward, Kenny can release me up the ground and [I] can maybe get a little bit of confidence with a few touches.
"At the moment I've got a lot of confidence in my body and my fitness and I think that's coming through in my game.
"My knowledge of the game is probably as good as it's been in my career."
Talk of the 199cm running machine is bound to feature heavily at Adelaide's selection table on Wednesday night ahead of Showdown XXXIV.
Westhoff said his running power was a bonus for a man of his height, but he accepted he wouldn't receive a free ride against the Crows, given the quality of their defence.
"They've got guys like (Daniel) Talia, who's played on me, (Andy) Otten who's played on me before, so I'm sure they'll be up for the challenge," he said.
"It probably just comes down to hard work and grinding out the whole game."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
