"Take nothing for granted," he said on Wednesday.
The Port coach has seen so many twists and turns in games against arch rivals Adelaide, nothing surprises him any more.
The South Australian foes clash again on Thursday night at Adelaide Oval - remarkably, their 54 past games are split 27 wins each.
"I don't think the form matters too much," Hinkley said.
"If you reflect back over history, these games just typically have been more often than not great games, close games - games of two really competitive teams who want to win at all costs almost."
The importance of Showdowns is deeply ingrained at both clubs.
"Clearly there is information around the rivalry of the two clubs," Hinkley said.
"But the reality is you don't need to dive into it. It's spelled out pretty clearly as they drive around for the week."
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks holds bragging rights after consecutive Showdown triumphs last year.
"When we bring players and staff into our football club, we make sure we bring them in and they see the history of the club and where we were formed and what are our values," Nicks said.
"We'll take them on a tour of this facility at Adelaide Oval and take them in to the changerooms and talk about the people that came before them.
"And so they have a clear understanding, as part of that, of what a Showdown is and what that rivalry means."
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