Port Adelaide are finally back on the winners list after locking in their top four finish with a 51-point victory over GWS, which coach Ken Hinkley believes is only the "starting point" for their finals run.
Hinkley can also breathe a little easier after breaking the Power's four game losing streak, thanks to a 34 disposal performance from Brownlow smokey Zak Butters at the pointy end of the home and away season.
The Power had been under fire after dropping down from second to fourth on the ladder after their loss to Geelong in round 21, but move into third after beating the Giants.
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Port's middle men put on a show, with Dan Houston collecting 30 touches, while Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines and Connor Rozee had 29 apiece. Meanwhile, young star Jason Horne-Francis notched up 27 disposals.
The win helps Hinkley's case for a contract extension, making it 17 wins so far in 2023, with the coach confirming "initial" conversations with the club have commenced.
"We've had some initial chats. It's just a matter of making sure we've got everything in place that we need to," Hinkley said post match.
"I've said myself plenty of times, love to be around, love to be a part of Port Adelaide, been an incredible support to me, so hopefully that continues."
Hinkley made six changes to the squad that lost to the Cats last week. Hinkley admitted the past four weeks haven't been easy personnel wise.
"We've been in a challenging spot for a number of reasons," Hinkley said post match.
"I'd prefer not to make all those changes … but sometimes you can't control it.
"It's (the list) got some character, it's got some depth about it, it's got some talent, there's no doubt about it."
Hinkley was clear with his side's intentions for 2023, vowing to leave no stone unturned in their quest to now host a home final.
"This year we set out to make finals, then we set out to finish as high as we can. As of tonight, we qualify top four," Hinkley said.
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"We're certainly not finished, we want to keep going and finish as high as we can.
"We're not satisfied with just being in the top four, our challenge now is to keep going."
The much-needed win, which locks in the Power's double chance in the finals, come days after assistant coach Josh Carr confirmed he isn't going anywhere, pulling out of the race for Richmond's senior coaching position.
Port Adelaide next travel to Optus Stadium to face Fremantle, then host Richmond at home in round 24.
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