Sad news: A LOT OF FANS HAVE JUST NOW WANTED TO LEAVE THE TEAM DUE TO THE HEAD COACH OF PORT ADELAIDE CONTRACTS BEING TERMINATED.
In order to remain with the Port Adelaide team through at least 2025, the coach has inked a new two-year contract.
Hinkley, who was perhaps the most under pressure before into the season, has led the Power back to the top four and even won a club record 13 straight games to establish himself as one of the main favorites to win the championship.
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Now that he will be in charge of the team for at least another two years, he will have been in that position for 13 seasons total since joining in 2013.
The club’s return to prominence and the decision to postpone contract negotiations until August generated a lot of conversation in the football community, but Port chairman David Koch remained resolute in his desire to follow the original plan.
Additionally, there were whispers of a coaching succession plan, which intensified following the withdrawal of highly regarded assistant Josh Carr from consideration for the Tigers position.
On Fox Footy’s On the Couch on Monday night, however, Herald Sun writer Jon Ralph hinted that although if there would be no formal confirmation of the transition to Carr, it was still being discussed.
Hinkley, who just received an extension, expressed his excitement about staying on at the team and his complete trust in the route the players and the team around him will take.
“I care deeply for this playing group and football club, as I said a few weeks ago and many times before,” Hinkley remarked.
I never consider becoming the head coach of this outstanding football team to be a given. It’s an honor, and I appreciate David and the board’s continued faith in our football program.
In addition, I’m lucky to have the backing of a fantastic coaching staff headed by assistants Josh Carr, Nathan Bassett, Chad Cornes, and our development coaches; in addition, we have an excellent football department, list management team, and high performance program.
It gives me tremendous confidence to see Josh reaffirm his dedication to the team. Josh is eager to keep improving here at Port Adelaide, and I have no doubt that one day he will hold a senior coaching position.
“As a playing ensemble, I’m really enthusiastic about what we are creating. Here at Port Adelaide, we have an incredibly dedicated team of athletes who are all driven to make something truly exceptional. They respond to my ongoing challenges to develop in the same way that they do to all of our coaches.
“After this season, I’m excited to continue coaching this playing group for at least the next two years.”
While Hinkley has led the Power to consecutive preliminary finals in 2020 and 2021 as well as in 2014, he has never guided them to a grand final in his 11 seasons with the team.
In addition, the 56-year-old has the fourth-best winning percentage (59.84) among active coaches and was twice voted the AFL Coaches Association Coach of the Year (in 2013 and 2020).
Koch stated, “The Port Adelaide Football Club’s board and management are completely in agreement that Ken Hinkley is the greatest candidate to lead this playing group going forward.
“The Football Strategic Committee recommended Ken’s renewal, and the Port Adelaide board unanimously approved it after a careful consideration process.
“We gave Ken and the program the room and time to coach and perform without interruption at the beginning of the season. Our playing group has shown significant growth and development, and the program has kept getting better and better.
It ushers in an exciting new age at Alberton headed by breakout players like Miles Bergman, who earlier this year rejected offers from rival teams in order to re-sign with the team, Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, and Jason Horne-Francis.
Koch mentioned that the Power’s team, which defeated GWS the previous Saturday, was the third-youngest AFL team overall.
With Ken leading the team, “we have great confidence in what this playing group can achieve, this year and into the future,” he continued.
“We think that having Ken’s contract extension confirmed gives our football program assurance and confidence going into a thrilling postseason campaign. With our victory on Sunday, we guaranteed a top four finish and a solid starting point for September.
“Every year, there are great expectations at Port Adelaide, and we always base our selections on what we think would present the best chance for success.
“Over the last ten years, Ken has changed our starting lineup several times and developed a strong and genuine bond with the playing group. It’s evident that our players have accepted Ken’s vision.
