But since that defeat, Hinkley has led Port to be one of the form teams in the competition, winning eight games and losing just one – in Round 18, against the Gold Coast Suns.

The victories were also impressive, including convincing triumphs over fellow finalists Carlton and Western Bulldogs, a landslide victory over junior leaders Sydney, and a thrilling victory over rivals Adelaide in the Showdown.

They finished in the top four for the fourth time in five seasons. It’s an incredible achievement.

Unfortunately, his final record is often blamed, but people forget how hard it is to get to the final in the first place. Just ask the 10 other clubs who are not playing this week. I’m sure they would love to be competing in the final. They would love to have a chance to fight and win the championship.

In 2020 and 2021, Port reached the preliminary final – no mean feat. In the first, they lost by six points to eventual premiers Richmond, and were just one easy kick away from equalling the Tigers.

Players say that it is often harder to win the Preliminary Finals than the Grand Final. Often, the Preliminary Finals are the hardest game they play all year.

The fans who wanted to take down the coach owe him an apology. They have bile on their faces, but suddenly they’ve gone quiet and are nowhere to be found.

It’s easy to call for a coach to be fired or for a team to leave when things aren’t going to plan, but it’s precisely in these moments that a club needs its loyal fans the most.

Port Adelaide will meet Geelong on Thursday night in the qualifying final at Adelaide Oval, and if they win, they will progress to the preliminary final on their home turf.

After a week’s break and refreshment, they will be able to sit in the leader’s seat and advance to the grand finale.

20 years since their last flag in 2004 – could this be the year they go this far?