Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says uncertainty looms large in Sunday’s AFL showdown against arch rivals Adelaide.

Hinkley says it’s unknown how both clubs will react to further tributes for Crows coach Phil Walsh, who was allegedly murdered by his son on July 3.

The slain coach spent large chunks of his career at Port before switching to the Crows.

“There has certainly been some stuff through the week that is still difficult for everyone to deal with,” Hinkley told reporters on Saturday.

“But overall I think we have certainly been able to focus a little clearer on the game.

“There is still some uncertainty as to what is actually going to happen for us, and the Crows I’m sure are the same, and that will be there for a significant amount of time.

“But both clubs are trying to channel all their energies into the game.

“Everyone is starting to deal with and understand what has gone on now … we understand there is still a significant amount of this game about Phil’s connection to both clubs – and so it should be.”

Power and Crows players will run through a joint banner pre-game and a medal for the best player on the ground has been struck in Walsh’s honour.

At the end of the match, the crowd and players will be asked to hold a minute’s applause, rather than a minute’s silence, for Walsh.

The result is pivotal for the finals aspirations of both clubs – Port are 12th, the Crows 10th.

“We have been inconsistent and that is why we’re in the position we’re in now,” Hinkley said.

“The test for us is to consistently do it for the remainder of the season, however long that is.”

Hinkley lost rebounding defender Jasper Pittard to an ankle injury, summoning Nathan Krakouer as a replacement, while Aaron Young has been recalled at the expense of Karl Amon.

The Crows will debut 21-year-old wingman Rory Atkins while Brodie Martin has also been included. The duo replaces omitted pair Nathan van Berlo and Cam Ellis-Yolmen.