SA footy legend Graham Cornes slams AFL’s decision to fine Power coach Ken Hinkley $20,000

The AFL’s $20,000 fine slapped down on Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was a ‘disgraceful abuse of power’ and the reaction was unjust, according to SA footy legend Graham Cornes.

The AFL’s $20,000 fine slapped down on Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was a “disgraceful abuse of power”, according to SA footy legend Graham Cornes.

The Power’s head man was sanctioned after his verbal spat with Hawthorn players including captain James Sicily on the field at Adelaide Oval after Port Adelaide’s thrilling three-point semi final win.

Hinkley mocked Jack Ginnivan and told him he would not be flying north to Sydney after the Hawk’s recent statement he would be seeing the Swans’ Brodie Grundy in a preliminary final at the SCG.

The AFL came down hard on Hinkley under its conduct unbecoming rule as the league made clear it expected its coaches to stay away from players post-match.

Ken Hinkley exchanges words with Hawthorn players after the 2024 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

James Sicily of the Hawks reacts to Ken Hinkley. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

However, Cornes joined a chorus of figures saying the fine was unwarranted, including former Port Adelaide and Brisbane champion Tom Rockliff who called the punishment a disgrace.

On his regular 7NEWS ‘Cornes Says’ segment on Monday, Cornes labelled the fine a “disgraceful abuse of power”.

“Ken Hinkley did not use abusive language or threatening gestures … with Jack Ginnivan, who did fire the first shot, he didn’t engage in physical contact,” he said.

Ken Hinkley gestures to Jack Ginnivan that he won't be on a flight.

“Don’t start me on Sam Mitchell’s ageist slur - which is as insidious as sexism or racism but no one is prepared to call him out on it.”

In the post-match press conference, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell talked about the 57-year-old Power coach’s age when addressing the incident.

“We have a very young player who was having some very aggressive words said to him by a much older man, who’s been in the game for a long time,” he said.

“And the captain of my club stood up for him.”

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said he was disappointed the incident took the gloss off an incredible finals clash.

“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,” he said.

“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.

Originally published as SA footy legend Graham Cornes slams AFL’s decision to fine Power coach Ken Hinkley $20,000