Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is daring Hawthorn to assault star midfielder Zak Butters’s sore ribs of their semifinal.
“I say go for it,” Hinkley advised reporters on Thursday.
“Not like some individuals, I do know Zak is a tricky participant, a extremely robust participant.
“He will not take a step backwards.”
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Butters suffered a rib damage and was substituted simply after half-time of Port’s 84-point capitulation to Geelong in final Thursday night time’s qualifying remaining.
Former Energy participant and now AFL commentator Kane Cornes labelled Butters smooth for being substituted.
“They don’t seem to be issues that I want to fret about,” Hinkley mentioned.
“All I must know, and what I do know, is Zak is an extremely robust participant.
“(He has been) voted essentially the most brave participant within the competitors over the previous few years by his friends — it is a fairly good suggestion.”
Hinkley defended his captain Connor Rozee, whose underwhelming 16-disposal efficiency towards the Cats additionally attracted criticism.
“I do not suppose it is honest, however I feel it is a part of the journey, I feel that is what occurs when you do not carry out,” Hinkley mentioned.
“And all of us get criticised whether or not that be Connor, whether or not that be me, Zak, whoever.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is underneath immense strain heading into Friday’s conflict towards Hawthorn. (Getty Photographs: AFL Pictures/Michael Willson)
“It is in regards to the collective. It is the entire group that copped the criticism of that and a few people get identified.”
Hinkley additionally dismissed media criticism for beginning on-baller Jason Horne-Francis on the bench for the qualifying remaining.
“Seven weeks in a row he is been there — it doesn’t suggest he’ll be there this week however he is been there seven weeks,” he mentioned.
“And you understand what occurs … I am sitting right here going, nicely, do I put him on the bench or do not I put him on the bench (towards Hawthorn) as a result of the media, individuals will say ‘we bought it proper, advised you so’.
“You have not bought it proper.
“Return and evaluate among the articles and tales that you have written, not simply on this room, however all throughout the footy season.
“They’re fairly exceptional what you are allowed to get away with saying.”
AAP
