PORT ADELAIDE coach Ken Hinkley says his side was hurt by the “selfish mistake” made by Peter Ladhams and Dan Houston, but had a responsibility to perform well on Saturday against Hawthorn for a star midfielder in a milestone game.
Ladhams was suspended for three games and Houston for two after they were found to have breached the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols by having visitors over at Ladhams’ home early this month.
Hinkley described his disappointment in the pair, and said they would address their teammates on Friday about the matter.
“Incredibly disappointed, frustrated and angry because we all understand the obligation we have, and they know it,” Hinkley said.
“They made a mistake. They know they made a mistake.
“They’ll speak to the players, and they’ve spoken to their teammates individually but they haven’t been together since.
“The team will be ok. The team is a good team, it’s ready to go but the outcome hurts the industry and it hurts us as a football club.”
Hinkley said the players knew the rules and everyone at the club had been educated about their responsibilities under the strict protocols.
“It’s a disappointing outcome when we all know the rules,” he said.
“I’m really clear. This is not an easy mistake to make when you know all the information. It’s just a selfish mistake.”
Despite the breach, Hinkley said his side had a job to do at Adelaide Oval on Saturday against Hawthorn.
He said if getting back on the winners’ list after last week’s poor showing against Geelong was not enough motivation, the group also had to play well to help midfielder Tom Rockliff celebrate his 200th AFL game.
“It’s been a bit of a journey for Rock,” Hinkley said of the former Brisbane captain.
“Obviously, (Saturday presents) a great opportunity for us to make sure we go out there and play well for him.
“It’s a great moment for him. He’s made a big life-changing decision to come to Port Adelaide a couple of years back and let’s hope that we represent him well tomorrow night.”
Port went down by ten goals to the Cats last Friday night in its worst performance of the season.
When asked what needed improvement against the Hawks, Hinkley said “just about everything.”
“We played a really good side last week and they gave us a touch up and for us, we’ve been pretty good all year and that’s why we are where we are, because we’ve been able to get over those things and play the next contest with a clear mind,” he said.
“I think that’s really important.”
Port will make four changes at selection with young wingman Xavier Duursma and forward Kane Farrell to join Ladhams and Houston on the sidelines.
Hinkley clarified that Duursma and Farrell were dropped based on their form.
“(Xavier’s) not being rested, it was a selection issue as far as form goes – both him and Kane Farrell have missed their spot in the side on performance, so they’ll go back and get an opportunity to train in match simulation sessions,” the coach said.
“They’ve got to play their roles well and play at a level we know they can play at.
“X has been fantastic for us from the day he walked into the club and Kane is an emerging young player.
“We’re really excited about both players’ futures.”
Coming into the side will be the experienced Brad Ebert, defenders Jarrod Lienert and Riley Bonner and veteran Justin Westhoff.
Hinkley said Westhoff was popular amongst his teammates and would give the side extra versatility and a back-up option in the ruck.
“One thing we know about Justin is that he’ll come in and give his absolute all for the team and in some ways, it’ll be quite a motivating factor for Westy to be back in the team for the boys,” Hinkley said.
“Westy and myself have really good conversations and really clear all the time, even from the start of the year and even last year, because there was a moment last year that he lost his spot in the side too.
“He knows exactly where he’s at and what he’s doing.
“The only thing I know about Justin Westhoff is that whatever the team needs, Justin Westhoff does.”
