The AFL has handed Port Adelaide a $20,000 fine following Power coach Ken Hinkley's heated exchange with Hawthorn players in the wake of Friday night's semifinal.

The league said the sanction, issued for "conduct unbecoming", would not be included in Port Adelaide's soft cap.

"We understand it is a passionate game with a lot at stake for all clubs, however Ken made a decision to engage with opposition players post-match — a decision he has since admitted was the wrong one," AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement.

"Ken has acknowledged that his emotions got the better of him in the moment, however as a senior coach his actions fell well below what is expected by the AFL."

The Power released a statement on Sunday night, saying it considered the matter "closed".

The fine mirrors the $20,000 sanction given to Greater Western Sydney football boss Jason McCartney following his on-field confrontation with Swans player Tom Papley in the first week of the finals.

Hinkley taunted the Hawks players on the field after the Power's tense 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) win at Adelaide Oval.

Hawks captain James Sicily became involved in the verbal altercation, which took place only minutes after the full-time siren.

Hinkley later revealed his antics were motivated by a comment Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan made on social media in the build-up to the match.

Ginnivan had posted on Instagram "see u in 14 days" to Sydney ruckman and former Collingwood teammate Brodie Grundy.

The comment insinuated Ginnivan expected the Hawks would beat the Power and play the Swans in the preliminary finals.

"There was an incident after the game where I had some words with a Hawthorn player that I wish I hadn't had in a moment that I shouldn't have had," Hinkley said on Friday night.

"There was stuff said last week that I certainly didn't enjoy, but I shouldn't have let that moment get to me.

What was done during the week was done, and I responded in an emotional state, which I shouldn't have.

"I regret the comment. I should stay out of that comment, but I didn't.

"It just goes to show that everyone can get better, and I'm still trying to get better."

Sicily defended his behaviour, saying he was standing up for Ginnivan.

"I can't recall exactly what was said. He (Hinkley) was talking to our players and said something to Ginni," Sicily said on Saturday.

"I think what I do as a leader is I always have my teammates' back and I will stick up for them regardless of who is in the right or the wrong.

"It is something I pride myself on and I don't regret it one bit really."

The Power will play the Swans in a preliminary final in Sydney on Friday night.