Power officials have come under intense scrutiny during what Hinkley said had been a “tough week” for the club, which is facing AFL sanction over the response to Aliir’s head clash with teammate Lachie Jones.

The partner of former player Sam Mayes added fuel to the fire when she publicly detailed “scary” incidents around concussion during the utility’s time at Port Adelaide.

The heat comes with head injuries now a massive issue in the game. A number of former players are suing the league and their clubs, seeking compensation for the effects of concussion from their careers.

“We have had some issues that we’d much rather not have had but they are certainly being dealt with the best they can possibly be dealt with,” Hinkley told reporters on Thursday.

Jones was substituted out of the Showdown loss to Adelaide last Saturday night because of a migraine, but Aliir returned to the field.

Fisher has since conceded the 28-year-old should have been put through a concussion test immediately after his head knock.

“It’s a big mistake, but no one sets out to make any mistake in whatever type of job we do, particularly as a doctor,” Hinkley said.

“He’s doing his absolute best and has done great service for this footy club for a long, long period of time.

“We understand concussion’s a massive issue and everyone’s working towards a better outcome for concussion.”

Hinkley said Fisher will be on regular duties when Port Adelaide attempt to arrest their three-match losing skid in a clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday,

“It’s a really tough question to be throwing out, ‘Do we lack trust in Mark Fisher?’. That’s not the case at all,” Hinkley said.

“He himself has said he got it wrong and we should be able to go, ‘You know what, he’s got a lot of runs on the board’.

“He’s done a lot of good things in his profession that we should give him some respect for.”

Hinkley said Aliir and Jones are both feeling “pretty good” in their recoveries from the collision, having shown some delayed symptoms consistent with concussion.

“Unfortunately they’re both in the concussion protocols so they’ll be unavailable to play (against Geelong),” Hinkley said.

“But the right thing is they do have the rest and we get them back fit and ready to go next week.”

Mayes’ partner Cassie Burton this week said the current spotlight on Port Adelaide’s handling of concussion “doesn’t surprise me” and made her “sick”.

Burton claimed Mayes played concussed during his time at the Power.

Hinkley said Port Adelaide have reached out to Mayes, who now plays for SANFL club North Adelaide.

“As a club we’ve spoken to Sam and Sam has no issues with the way we looked after Sam,” Hinkley said.

-AAP