MATCH REPORT: Port's percantage-booster against Carlton
The Power improved their percentage by 5.9 to 132.4 with the runaway win, and that means pinching the double chance simply rests on beating the Dockers next weekend.
Port had been written off as flag contenders due to their form slump across the past two months.
During that period, Hinkley's assessment that the fast and furious football the club played at the start of the year wasn't too far away, mostly fell on deaf ears.
But Friday night's 103-pointed demolition proved that it was more than just token press conference fodder.
Right from the first bounce, the home side set out to thrash Carlton and you could sense the electrifying game plan had clicked back into gear.
PHOTO GALLERY: Port Adelaide v Carlton
"I'm not going to lie - nothing disappointed me," Hinkley said.
"I was really pleased with the way they played for four quarters.
"I liked their ruthlessness and the way they went about it. It was really good, the players were strong."
Port's manic defence also returned, with 16 goals scored from Carlton turnovers.
And while the tiring Blues are not in the same class as Port's premiership rivals, the likes of Sydney, Geelong and Hawthorn would not have enjoyed what they saw at Adelaide Oval.
Hinkley's attention has switched to beating the Dockers next week. Fremantle plays unpredictable Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday and will reclaim fourth position from the Power should they win
So the Round 23 match at Patersons Stadium next Saturday will effectively be a final.
"It's a real chance, a real chance for us," Hinkley said.
"We're not silly though; I went over there and watched (Fremantle) play last week – I know what we're going over there to play against.
"The pressure that they're going to put on sides is something we're going to get used to … [I'm] looking forward to it, to be honest.
"For us, almost it's a free hit – everyone's saying that we're not capable of [making] the top four after the start we had and dropped off.
"We'll go over there with everything we've got and see how we go."
If Port misses the top four, it would host an elimination final at its fortress Adelaide Oval against either West Coast, Essendon or Adelaide.
Hinkley warns Port has mojo back
