Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will miss the Power's game against Melbourne in Alice Springs while isolating at home under the AFL's COVID-19 protocols.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has COVID-19 and will miss his AFL team's trip to Alice Springs to play Melbourne.
Hinkley will remain in isolation in Adelaide and be connected remotely to Port's coaching box during Sunday's fixture.
"He has to spend a week in isolation ... he will be back next Friday," Port's football manager Chris Davies told reporters.
No other Power assistant coaches or players have been impacted.
Port's forward-line coach Nathan Bassett will coordinate all messaging during Sunday's game with midfield coach Brett Montgomery and defensive coach Chad Cornes continuing their usual roles.
"We have done very well to manage this challenge," Davies said.
"And we are mindful of the need to be diligent and we have been really diligent with mask wearing, social distancing and everything that has been required in the past three years.
"We have not changed (protocols) ... the AFL has heightened its concern with the COVID numbers of the past 24 hours.
"And the message to the club is to make sure we are reaffirming diligence among the coaching and playing group.
"We have done pretty well throughout the last two-and-a-half years but there is no doubt we keep delivering the message to our players to be cautious during the next few weeks.
"We don't have any room for error so we need our best team out there."
After losing their initial five matches, Port's finals aspirations hang by a thread - they're 12th, one win outside the top eight but with a testing stretch of games to come.
After meeting reigning premiers Melbourne, the Power host ladder leaders Geelong, then Collingwood at the MCG, Richmond at home and lowly Adelaide in the last game before the finals.
"With the way we started the season (0-5), we have ... lowered our eyes and worked week-to-week," Davies said.
"We know we have a massive challenge ahead at the weekend against Melbourne.
"If we get that done, we are one win closer to potentially getting to finals.
"Right now, it is purely about Melbourne."
