Ken Hinkley saw a glimpse of Port Adelaide's AFL future - and he likes it.
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Hinkley's Power dismantled Gold Coast by 38 points on Sunday with a host of inexperienced players leading the way.
Port's acting captain was Dougal Howard, in just his 37th AFL game - he was given the leadership role in the absence of injured co-captains Ollie Wines and Tom Jonas.
Billy Frampton, in his second game, and Kane Farrell, in his seventh, kicked three goals apiece.
First-year forward Connor Rozee booted two majors; fellow fresh draftees Xavier Duursma (19 disposals) and Zak Butters (15 touches, one goal) were influential.
In defence, Joel Garner looked assured in his AFL debut while Joe Atley (four games) and Jarrod Lienert (11th game) were solid.
"We believe we have got some significant depth on our list this year," Hinkley said.
"But I think the method that we try and play is ingrained in our players whether they are young or old."
Hinkley was cautious to "not get too carried away" with the performances of the youngsters.
"But to understand that they have come in and done well is significant," he said.
"I have thought this for a while, that our list is really, really developing well.
"Now, it's not always going to provide wins.
"But I'm really confident we have got a list that is actually going in the right direction - and the direction of being a good side, not just being an okay side."
Australian Associated Press
