This story originally appeared on afl.com.au

KEEPING a side goalless in a half for the first time in the club's history was a huge source of pride for Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.

The Power's suffocating defence proved to be Hawthorn's undoing on their way to a comfortable 51-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Instead of a game of football on a chilly winter night, the half-time scoreboard resembled a one-day international on Australia Day with the hosts leading 62-3 at the main break.

"Outstanding, isn't it? It's really strong," Hinkley said of his side's defensive pressure.

"Three points at half-time, that's a pretty impressive performance by any team I would've thought.

"Regardless of what else goes on, it's a great performance."

The Power forced the Hawks into errors before making them pay on the other end with their ball movement and willingness to take risks with slick handball chains.

It's a vast improvement on last season when mistakes and turnovers were too common.

"They've been really consistent and I think we can trust them," Hinkley said.

"It's more of what they want.

"They've matured a bit, they understand what they need to do in AFL football more consistently and not getting too far ahead of themselves and playing the game they need to play."

Key forward Charlie Dixon shook off a tough week to produce a best-on-ground performance with four goals.

Dixon came under plenty of scrutiny after he took longer than 30 seconds to have his shot at goal against Geelong last week when the game was up for grabs.

"He was enormous and I thought he was the best player on the ground," Hinkley said.

"He doesn't want to let that happen again to his teammates.

"Leading into this week, I think he was put on display for everyone else to learn a lesson.

"He wants to make sure we win those close games."

Milestone man Brad Ebert was also outstanding in his 200th AFL game, finishing with a game-high 34 possessions.

Along with vice-captain Ollie Wines, rookie sensation Sam Powell-Pepper and resurgent ruckman Paddy Ryder, they've become a feared midfield group.

"They're forming a pretty strong combination in their at the moment and they're giving us great opportunities," Hinkley said.

"Brad's 200th game … and with his family history, it's a special night for him, for sure."

Hinkley was confident midfielder Chad Wingard would be right to return from a calf injury for next week's game with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Winger Karl Amon was a late scratching from the win over the Hawks with a knee injury after feeling pain during the warm-up.

Jimmy Toumpas (26 possessions) came into the side for Amon, making his first appearance for the season.

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