DURING a week from hell, Ken Hinkley has found solace in his Port Adelaide family.
Like anyone who knew Phil Walsh well, Hinkley was blindsided and devastated at the news of his sudden death last Friday morning.
Five talking points: Port Adelaide v Collingwood
Speaking with incredible honesty on Wednesday, the Power's coach said he hadn't been able concentrate on Thursday night's game against Collingwood.
But the Power have galvanised in the wake of Walsh's death, as Adelaide and the wider football community have.
"It was a tough week, I make no secret of that – I had a really tough week," Hinkley said.
"I had great support from my wife Donna and the family and you know that I had great support from my players.
"They sent me messages all through the week and not just me, our coaches, we had some good times with Phil.
"We're not on our own here – Meredith and her family, please – it's just a tragic thing that's happened.
"But we've stuck together and that's what you do … when it's really, really tough all you can do is stick with your family and Port Adelaide is one big family."
WATCH: Ken Hinkley's full post-match media conference
Hinkley wasn't sure how his players would fare against the Magpies and so was incredibly proud of their fast start.
Port booted the opening four goals of the game and then withstood a staggering 18 Collingwood inside 50s in the final term to edge home three-point winners.
He praised the determination shown by the playing group to force itself through the testing week and hold it together – as Walsh would have wanted.
WATCH: Remembering Phil Walsh, a post-match tribute
"They certainly had some thoughts that they wanted to represent Phil and our footy club well tonight but you don't always get that in such a highly emotional game," Hinkley said
"I was really proud of what they did … they hung really tough, they got the job done.
"They were incredibly focused on what they were trying to do all through the week to be honest.
"This team had been through a bit not too far back and a bloke like Phil was really important to our footy club."
The Power and Pies paid respects to the late Phil Walsh after Thursday's contest. Picture: AFL Media
The match ended but there were no wild celebrations, instead both teams and the 45,418-strong crowd were bathed in darkness as a tribute to Walsh was played on the big screens.
As for what Walsh would have said after the emotional win?
"Terrific, well done, got the job done – let's get back to work."
