Hinkley wary of barking Dogs

Power coach Ken Hinkley says he's wary of the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Morne de Klerk Source: Getty Images

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley addresses the media after his side's close loss to the Swans at the SCG.

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has called the Western Bulldogs a significant challenge and believes they are better than the reviews they received before they beat Collingwood last week.

Hinkley also dismissed suggestions he is resting Jarman Impey and played it safe by holding back Hamish Hartlett against the Western Bulldogs because it is a low-ranked side.

He said he has the highest respect for the Bulldogs, coached by fellow former Geelong assistant coach Brendan McCartney.

The selection calls had not been about keeping an eye on the following week. "No, not at all," Hinkley said. "That's not something I'll ever do. I'm interested in picking the best team this week and that's all I'll ever be interested in."

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Hinkley was also mindful of the Power's record against the Bulldogs as he prepared for training at Adelaide Oval on Friday morning.

Port has lost the past seven matches against the Footscray-based club and has not beaten them since 2006.

"Last week was a great reminder for us what they're capable of and knowing 'Macca' well I know he'll have them ready to play," Hinkley said.

"It will be a significant challenge.

"Their recent history against us is really strong. So we need to make sure we can turn that around."

The calls on Impey, Hartlett and former captain Dom Cassisi were in line with the club's no-risk policy.

Impey was in need of a spell because he is a younger player, Hartlett had rolled his ankle and Cassisi had a knee injury.

"We've said all year that we're not going to take risks and if we have players in risk categories — and that's where Jarman, Dom and Hamish fall — so if they fall in that bracket we're not going to take that risk," Hinkley said.