Port Adelaide's players want Ken Hinkley to continue as coach but uncertainty over his tenure isn't weighing on them, utility Dan Houston says.
Hinkley, who falls off-contract at season's end, and club hierarchy have put off any negotiations until August.
That arrangement, made pre-season, has become a sharp focus with the departure of Damien Hardwick as Richmond's coach, prompting speculation the Tigers could sound out Hinkley.
"There's nothing uncertain about that for us," Houston told reporters on Wednesday.
"We know that Ken's contract ... there's going to be a call made in August.
"That will take care of itself. If we just play our best footy and keep winning each week and keep playing the right Port Adelaide way ... that's all we can focus on as players and that is all we are focusing on.
"We love Kenny, he's a great coach, we want him around. But that (decision) is going to be made in August and until then we just play our best footy."
Port, on a seven-game winning streak, meet Richmond at the MCG on Sunday under the Tigers' caretaker coach Andrew McQualter.
Houston expected much emotion in the opposition camp, particularly early in the fixture.
"There is an emotional attachment to their coach going out," he said.
"But like with every game, it's going to be close. It's going to be contested and whatever we can bring to help us get over the line is what's going to matter.
"And we're solely going to focus on what we can do.
"You have got to try and take the emotion out of the game and obviously it starts with the the first bounce and the first 10 minutes.
"If you can stamp that (emotion) out of the game early ... then obviously it helps a long way to getting the game on your terms and getting the momentum."
The third-placed Power are set to be bolstered for the clash with the return of Todd Marshall from concussion and possibly his attacking ally Charlie Dixon from a thigh injury.
Goalsneak Junior Rioli is also available after serving a suspension.
"It always is good to have pressure on spots," Houston said.
"And going forward it's going to make us a better team and make the individuals better themselves, so it's a really good environment we're in."
