Every Port Adelaide supporter should attend Saturday night’s AFL match as a mark of respect for dead footballer John McCarthy, Power coach Ken Hinkley says.

Port’s home game against Greater Western Sydney is a designated tribute match for McCarthy, who died in Las Vegas last September on an end-of-season trip with some Power teammates.

“I would love nothing more than every Port fan to get down to the game tomorrow night,” Hinkley told reporters on Friday.

“As a club we’re trying to make some steps in the right direction. We’re working really hard to gain back some respect.

“But I think out of respect for J-Mac, the Port people should be down here tomorrow night and fill the ground up as best they possibly can and show the support that the Port Adelaide family do for one of their own.”

Hinkley said it was important Port players honoured McCarthy but hoped they would not let their emotions run unchecked during the game.