PORT Adelaide 'won’t survive’ if it continues to be smashed in the inside-50 count, coach Ken Hinkley believes.
The Power were able to beat Adelaide in Sunday’s Showdown despite losing the inside-50 count 42-71.
After the 24-point victory, Hinkley said he was thrilled to notch his third straight win but admitted the Power had a lot of work to do.
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"We can't play footy like that all year," Hinkley said.
"You won't survive if you continue to give up that many entries.
"Last year we were an elite defending inside-50s team. I think we averaged 43-44 entries per week against us over the whole course of the year.
"We're miles off that at the moment, so there's lots of room to improve."
While Port allowed waves of Adelaide ball inside its defensive area, its defence held up. Alipate Carlile was again impressive on another quality opponent in Taylor Walker and he had good support from Jasper Pittard and the rest of the defence.
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"I think we've been able to show that we're able to hold up under real pressure down back," Hinkley said.
"People are talking about us not running as well this year (compared to previous seasons). I tell you what - we're running better because we're having to run from so far back."
The Power were super-efficient up forward and it proved the difference in the match. Sharpshooter Jay Schulz again bagged five goals and Paddy Ryder proved his worth and versatility with three goals.
"That needed to be our bonus tonight with the size of their defenders," Hinkley said.
"We kicked 10 goals from our three talls off 42 entries and [in total] we've kicked 18 goals."
Coming back from a calf injury, Robbie Gray was outstanding with 32 possessions (20 contested) and deservedly won the Showdown Medal. He had great support from his skipper Travis Boak (33 possessions) and Brad Ebert (31 touches).
Hinkley admitted sub Jared Polec came into the match with a foot injury but was relieved the risk paid off.
"We're really happy, we've [basically] given him a round rest," Hinkley said.
“(He played) only 20 minutes of footy and hopefully that gave his foot a chance to recover again.
"It was a risk leaving Robbie Gray out last week, it was a risk leaving Kane Cornes out.
"They're all risks and you live and die by those results sometimes.
"You've just got to make good decisions throughout the whole season."
Port has endured a tough draw in the first five rounds of the season but has emerged with a positive record and a spot just outside the top eight. Next up is an in-form West Coast at Adelaide Oval.
"I'm really pleased with 3-2," Hinkley said.
"We've played four of the best teams in the competition and possibly along with the Bulldogs, the most improved side in the competition in Adelaide from last year."
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