The Power coach has been a central figure in the build-up to this Sunday's Gather Round finale after his major role in the controversial post-script to last season's semi-final clash.
But while he's welcomed the growing rivalry as good for the game, the 58-year-old insists his main focus is on getting Port's season back on track.
The sides have headed in opposite directions since last September with the Power (1-3) struggling in 12th spot and new flag favourites Hawthorn (4-0) on top of the ladder.
"We need to address our position currently, and our position means we need to do everything we can to win this game of football," Hinkley said on Wednesday.
"That's where we'll spend our time and it just so happens that Hawthorn are our opponent and it's Gather Round.
"It's a pretty big build-up, which we appreciate, but the reality is it's bigger for us in the sense that our season needs to get back into some better shape."
Port fought back from 41 points down to beat Hawthorn by just one point in round 11 last year and backed it up with a three-point triumph in the semi-final.
After the knockout clash, Hinkley was fined $20,000 for his taunting of Jack Ginnivan on the ground after the final siren, in response to the Hawks forward's comments pre-game.
On Wednesday, Hinkley sidestepped suggestions the Gather Round fixturing is hypocritical by the AFL, who fined the coach but are cashing in on the hype around the incident.
He said it was "not a spot I need to go" and shifted the focus to AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, who later defended the league's call to put the Power-Hawks clash in prime time on Sunday night.
"Their final last year was one for the ages," Dillon said.
"I was sitting next to the (SA) Premier during that game - it was as soon as that game finished, we talked about it being an incredible bookend for Gather Round."
Hawthorn players clearly haven't forgotten the way Hinkley targeted Ginnivan with his "you're not flying" jibe after the semi-final.
A lead figure in the Hawks so-called 'rascal pack', Ginnivan this week suggested he has an "aeroplane'' goal celebration prepared for if he kicks one in front of the Port faithful.
Hinkley expects an emotion-charged Hawthorn to bring the heat and has urged his side to be switched on from the opening bounce.
"When you ultimately lose in the end-of-season game by a small margin, clearly there's a sting," he said.
"The reality is for us we expect that to be coming our way.
"But every team who's played them has felt their pressure and we're not going to be separated from that.
"We know it's coming our way and we look forward to the challenge."
Hinkley, who apologised after the semi-final incident and admitted he regretted his actions, said he hasn't spoken to anyone at Hawthorn since then.
"I have no need to speak to them and I'm sure they didn't really want to speak to me," Hinkley said.
"Ultimately my job is to do what I can to help Port Adelaide, and that's all I spend my time on.
"Honestly, I said what I said at the end of last year's game.
"Emotions boiled over, I was disappointed in that myself, I've said that, and I've apologised publicly.
"I think it's time to move on for me and I've got to focus on our performance this week."
Hinkley expects Port veteran Travis Boak to return against Hawthorn after he was managed out of last week's loss to St Kilda.
The Power are weighing up multiple changes for Sunday, with All-Australian Darcy Byrne-Jones sidelined through suspension.
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