Port Adelaide AFL coach Ken Hinkley has issued a blunt instruction to his fill-in: don’t muck up.

Hinkley, suffering a virus and banned from flying, has handed control of Saturday’s encounter against North Melbourne in Tasmania to Alan Richardson.

Richardson, Port’s coaching and strategy director, is a long-time assistant coach but hasn’t been a head coach at any club since 2002.

Richardson says any nerves about taking charge of undefeated Port for the match haven’t been soothed by Hinkley.

“He said: ‘It’s over you to, Richo. Five (wins) in a row – let’s make it six … don’t muck it up’,” Richardson told reporters in Adelaide on Friday.

Hinkley can phone Richardson or other Port staff during the match in Hobart, but Power officials cannot have a phone on the bench or on the ground at any stage.

Richardson said the plan was for Hinkley not to contact him often.

“I can’t imagine how hard or frustrating it will be for Ken,” Richardson said.

“He is feeling 100 per cent – he’s home now. If the game was played here in Adelaide today, he would be coaching, so that is frustrating for him.

“I’m sure at times he will want to make contact and will make contact.

“He’s the boss … I’m pretty sure I’ll take the call.”