Momentum swung the Power's way early as they rocketed out of the blocks to hold a 28-point quarter-time lead.

 

But Adelaide fought its way into the game in the second term and hit the front in the third on the back of three consecutive goals.

 

With the game slipping, Port's finest stood up and the club booted five unanswered goals of its own to kill off any opposition threat.

 

"My message to the boys before the game was that we needed to play our way and we couldn't let any side restrict us from doing that," Hinkley said.

 

"If we do that in any game or at any time we'll find ourselves in quite a bit of trouble.

 

"When they had their turn with the ball I thought our response was significant.

 

"That's what happens in a game of footy, the swing comes pretty quick and you've got to be ready for it and the boys did that really well.

 

"Our effort was there all through the game and there was that little momentum swing after half-time … but then I thought some really strong leadership stood up in the second half of the third quarter and got us going again."

 

Although pleased with the way his side responded to Adelaide's challenge, Hinkley's demeanor in the coaching box showcased the tension involved in such high-pressure games.

 

As the Crows mounted their challenge in the second term Power assistant coach Shaun Hart repeatedly tapped an aggravated Hinkley on the shoulder, reminding him to stay cool.

 

Hinkley said he coached with "heat" and "emotion" and that on this occasion, it might have got the better of him – albeit momentarily.  

 

“[Hart] sits in the box and he continually taps me on the shoulder to [say] 'stay calm, stay focused, stick to the process' which is great for me as a coach, to have someone who's courageous enough to keep doing that because a coach can be a bit crazy on game day," he said.

 

"I'd prefer not to do that, but sometimes emotion does tip over."

 

Twitter: @AFL_Harry