Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has opened up on his heated conversation with Charlie Dixon at quarter-time in the Power’s three-point win over Fremantle on Saturday night.

Hinkley engaged in an animated chat with a clearly displeased Dixon at quarter-time after his direct opponent, Fremantle defender Alex Pearce, starred in the opening term.

The coach said that the robust discussion was part of a bigger picture frustration Dixon has with the way that he is umpired.

“You might be surprised (but) Charlie thinks that he gets a tough run when it comes to a contest free,” Hinkley said with a wry grin.

“He’s always in a contest, he’s big, he’s 200cm and a 112kg, and he does find it difficult to get a clear run at the ball because of his size.

“I understand his frustrations, and I support him around those frustrations.

“That’s what I said to him at quarter-time. I said, ‘Mate, we know this is what happens, we know you don’t get many opportunities given to you, but you’ve just got to keep turning up’.