AFL Finals: All the news and fallout from Port Adelaide’s loss to Sydney as Ken Hinkley stands up to criticism

For the fourth time as Port coach on Friday night, Ken Hinkley fell at the preliminary final hurdle. He acknowledges the facts – but says the path forward isn’t just about him.

For the third time in five years, Port Adelaide has stumbled at the final hurdle before the grand final.

The Power was soundly beaten to the tune of 36 points by a dominant Sydney side as they search for answers on how to get over the hump.

For Ken Hinkley, it’s the fourth time as Port coach that he has fallen at this game.

But he stood up to criticism that he alone should cop the wrath of another preliminary final defeat.

Ollie Wines and Connor Rozee walk off the SCG. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Power coach Ken Hinkley during the loss on Friday night. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

“I’m not silly enough to not acknowledge that I have been the constant, along with some other people at the footy club,” he said.

“It’s not a one-person (job). We should stop that story. This is a whole of club thing that goes on, it’s not one person responsible.

“If we got through tonight, it wouldn’t have been me. If we didn’t get through tonight, it would be us.

“That’s the language we like to use at Port. It’s about us, not me necessarily. But I do understand as head coach you cop the brunt of that.

“I’m okay with copping the brunt, but the reality is you can’t do this without a full club.

“No one person is going to do it on his own, whether that’s one player, one coach, anything to do with the footy club.”

Hinkley says it’s not about me, it’s about us at Port Adelaide. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Hinkley’s job has come under the microscope as to whether he is the main to lead the Power in the future, however he said he is remaining resilient through the constant talk.

“I’ve had great support from my family and my footy club,” he said.

“We stick at it. We understand the storylines that go with my position and it’s part of the job.

“I’m okay with that. I can deal with that. I don’t necessarily enjoy it but the reality is it’s part of what I do and if I can’t cope I shouldn’t be here.”

Hinkley reflected on a disappointing end to the season, but paid tribute to the efforts of his players.

“We do what we do every year. We turn up with the intent to win,” he said.

“We haven’t been able to get to the final stage of trying to win, but we’ve been pretty brave.

“I know people won’t like that, but it’s the reality. I think we’ve been pretty brave.”

Originally published as AFL Finals: All the news and fallout from Port Adelaide’s loss to Sydney as Ken Hinkley stands up to criticism