As Ken Hinkley prepares for his final game as coach of Port Adelaide, he reflects on a coaching tenure marked by both achievements and disappointments. Hinkley, who took the helm in October 2012, is set to lead the team against Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, concluding a significant 13-year era.
In a candid address to reporters on Tuesday, Hinkley acknowledged the reality of his legacy. “Didn’t make a grand final, didn’t win one. That’s probably what it will be,” he stated, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of his time at the club. Despite his impressive record of 297 games with a winning percentage of 58.45, Hinkley holds the distinction of being the coach with the most games in VFL/AFL history without reaching a grand final.
Hinkley’s tenure saw Port Adelaide transformed from a struggling outfit into a competitive force in the league. “We built the footy club up, we have done really well with lots of things — ultimately we didn’t quite get to the end,” he reflected. Under his leadership, the team reached the finals seven times, yet fell short in four preliminary finals, a reality that continues to resonate with him.
The decision to take on the Port Adelaide role came after a period of uncertainty in his coaching career. Initially hesitant, Hinkley was encouraged by family to pursue the opportunity after being previously overlooked for positions at Richmond and Geelong. Reflecting on his appointment, he noted, “I’m the last man standing,” a declaration that resonates with his journey through a challenging coaching landscape.
In his final media conference, attended by players and staff, Hinkley spoke of the emotional highs and lows that defined his time at the club. “We’ve had a great journey together and it has been full of ups and downs but one I’m incredibly proud of,” he said. His candid acknowledgment of the pressures of coaching included moments of doubt, where he admitted to waking up in the early hours, questioning his path.
Despite the challenges, Hinkley emphasized the joy derived from the role. “The chase, that thrill of victory, that will always keep you going as a coach,” he explained. His connection with the players and the satisfaction of witnessing their success were paramount in his experience. “Five minutes after a game, when you get a victory with them, it is enough — that is enough to drive you to keep doing this for your entire life.”
Looking back, Hinkley described Port Adelaide as a “really successful footy club,” particularly in recent years. “We won a lot of football matches,” he noted, although he acknowledged the constant scrutiny that often accompanied losses. “It seemed like after every loss, it was like ‘it’s time for you to go,'” he remarked, expressing surprise at his longevity in the role.
As his time with Port Adelaide comes to a close, Hinkley leaves behind a legacy shaped by resilience and determination. His commitment to the club has laid a foundation that future leaders can build upon, even as he grapples with the reality of unfulfilled dreams of premiership success. His farewell match against Gold Coast will not only mark the end of an era but also celebrate the profound impact he has had on the club and its players.
