PORT ADELAIDE is on the attack with its new-look game finally delivering more opportunities to its new-style forward system.

But the challenge to turn a dominance with inside-50s to a winning score is still to be won - and the test this week is against the AFL pacesetter, Hawthorn.

"We have not been in absolutely great form ... but our game is building," senior coach Ken Hinkley said at Alberton on Wednesday as preparations continue for Sunday's Gather Round closer at Adelaide Oval.

"We've been building our form.

"Getting the (inside-50) numbers in our favour, the front-of-centre stuff we had last week, is really good. Most times, those numbers would deliver a victory ... but we gave up too big a start (to St Kilda).

"We will continue to grow the efficiency from those numbers. We are building quite a different front half. It is not going to be perfect and we are going to come up against a high-quality defence this week. There is a real challenge for us."

The forward system regained key option Ollie Lord at the weekend to help cover the long-term losses of Todd Marshall and Jack Lukosius to injury.

"From not much football (for Lord in the pre-season or opening three rounds) to play really well, there is some growth in our game," Hinkley said.

"Ollie has played some solid AFL football every time. So he just needs to stay healthy, stay in the team and keep playing well and build his career from there. So it's exciting to see the big fella out there doing what he did."

PLAYBOOK: Notable since the pre-season trials began is Port Adelaide's search for speed - to load up its attack - with handball-driven running plays.

But the risk factor from this game - and the turnover count - is highlighted amid defeat and confidence issues with some players.

"The turnover part of our game is really quite healthy, even last week," Hinkley said. "Yeah, we created some turnovers. We understand this game is not mistake free and there's plenty of turnovers in the game. When you lose, they get amplified a little bit more than if you win.

"Maybe that (handball game) was the reason we got back into it (after a slow start against St Kilda). Because we were handling the ball a little bit more we made some mistakes. It's bloody hard to play this game without making mistakes."

SELECTION: Former captain Travis Boak is in contention after being managed last week. Recent draftee Tom Cochrane has delivered in the SANFL while being dropped after playing his first AFL match, against Essendon a fortnight ago.

Forward Darcy Byrne-Jones is unavailable by suspension.

"We will balance the team the way we would like it to give us a great chance," Hinkley said. "Tommy did pretty well in the SANFL; Trav is available so we have some choices with what we can and can't do."

FAITH: Form usually dictates selection; and faith can build form lines better than swinging an axe at selection.

"If you're continually not playing at your level then that runs a risk (for the player)," Hinkley said. "(As a match committee) we need to make sure we represent selection with some integrity.

"Our job (as coaches) is to support them; give them confidence, give them belief; allow them to understand that they're more than capable and good players for us when they need to be. And more often than not we will give them plenty of chance to get their form back in shape."

THE RIVALRY: Hinkley's moments with the Hawthorn players - in particular Jack Ginnivan - have become more of the backdrop to the billboard promotion for this Gather Round closer than the on-field drama that made both Port Adelaide-Hawthorn games epics last season.

But Hinkley has closed the file that includes the $20,000 fine issued by the AFL.

"It's certainly building as a healthy rivalry," Hinkley said of the on-field duel. "Rivalries are very good for the game. (This one) seems to be attracting some attention ... and it seems to be bringing some energy to Gather Round which is great."

Hinkley has not spoken to any party at Hawthorn since.

"And I'm sure they didn't really want to speak to me," Hinkley said. "My job is to do what I can to help Port Adelaide - and that's all I spend my time on.

"I said what I said at the end of last year's game. Emotions boiled over. I was disappointed in that. I've apologised publicly. It is time to move on."

OPPO WATCH: Hawthorn returns to Adelaide Oval as the unbeaten competition leader.

"And I am wary of Hawthorn," Hinkley said. "They're a high quality team. They're on top of the ladder for a reason and they're the premiership favorites currently. We know our absolute best is going to be required to control all their weapons. They've got more than one, more than just small forwards. They've got some incredible backs. You know, they're a really well balanced team. So there's a pretty big task ahead of us, but we look forward to it."

CAPTAIN CALL: Connor Rozee is under pressure on the field with extra attention - a theme Hinkley says should be taken as a compliment as much as a challenge.

"It's a growth part of his game," Hinkley said. "Connor has copped some extra pressure from the opposition, but that's just great recognition. The reason this happens is because you're recognised as a great player.

"We will support him - on and off the ground. We won't leave him hung out to dry. We will help him avoid some of that attention ... but that attention might straight away shift to Jason Horne-Francis or Zak Butters now."

BIG PICTURE: At 1-3 Port Adelaide is challenged to get the win-loss count working to the positive.

"We have to get our season going," Hinkley said. "But last year, Hawthorn was 0-5 and got on this wonderful ride. Brisbane last year might have been at some point 13th on the ladder; they won the premiership. Things happen. It's crazy game. Don't get too carried away just yet."