Port coach dismisses Neale speculation

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has hosed down speculation his AFL club is trying to lure Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale.

South Australian-born Neale has told the Dockers he won't talk contracts until the end of the season, when his current deal expires.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a return home to Port - but it's news to Hinkley.

"I'm not even going to speculate on stuff like that because it's just not the time of year that we even think about that," Hinkley told reporters on Friday.

"I don't have anything to do with that at this stage of the year.

"I think you will find with player movement, whether it's Lachie Neale or any other player, there is always speculation. And more often than not it's nowhere near the mark."

Port vice-captain Hamish Hartlett on Thursday described Neale, who leads the competition for disposals despite the Dockers' winless season, as a good fit for the Power.

"From all reports Lachie is a great fella and is a South Australian boy as well, which always helps," Hartlett told Fox Sports.

"We always look to bring great characters in to the footy club and from all reports Lachie is exactly that."