JAMES Hird dismissed Paddy Ryder's match-winning final term as 'lucky' but Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley believes the ruckman has plenty more heroics left in him.
Ryder kicked four goals – including three in the last quarter – to lift the Power to a 13-point win over Essendon in a high-scoring affair at Etihad Stadium.
But it wasn't enough to impress his former coach, with Hird claiming the ruckman's performance had little impact on the final result.
"I thought Ryder was held for three quarters; I thought he was lucky," Hird said after the game.
"He had four possessions at three-quarter time. So I didn't think (his impact was noteworthy) - no."
Hinkley, in contrast, was ecstatic with his big man's performance in a pressure game.
"His last couple of weeks have been significant. He's provided opportunities and goals and he created that last one that Travis (Boak) kicked," Hinkley said post-match.
"Paddy's influence is starting to grow. I've said all along that Paddy's a long-term prospect for us and we're going to get some enormous bonuses out of having him at our footy club."
MATCH REPORT: Ryder helps new club over the line
Ryder had just four disposals to half-time, but lifted mightily after the major break, and in particular in the final term where he kicked three clutch goals.
He was also booed heartily by the Essendon faithful who were clearly displeased with the circumstances surrounding Ryder's departure in last year's trade period.
"He publicly said he'd be a little bit nervous. Anyone would be playing against their old club. I'm sure he'll go home tonight with a smile on his face," Hinkley said.
The Power coach said his side was working towards regaining some its lost belief.
Port's win over the Bombers keeps their finals hopes alive, although Hinkley said there was much work to be done before thinking about September.
Schulz's tackle leads to Moore goal #AFLDonsPower http://t.co/jv33zd9uaC
— AFL (@AFL) July 25, 2015"We've just got to stick tough," he said.
"That's what I love about Port Adelaide – they stick together.
"We have to stay in that space. It's easy to fracture; we're not going to fracture as a footy club."
The Power coach also praised captain Travis Boak for the way he had provided his teammates with the inspiration they needed after a gut-wrenching loss to Adelaide in last week's showdown.
Boak finished the game with 28 disposals, five centre-clearances, eight inside 50s and two goals in an outstanding display.
"I'm always about leadership being on game day," Hinkley said.
"Travis' performance from Monday until this afternoon was as a good as I've seen from Travis Boak at our football club in my time.
