Ken Hinkley trending as Port Adelaide crash out against Swans
The Swans have marched into another grand final, but Ken Hinkley was the name on many lips after he fell short yet again.
AFL
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On a milestone night for Port coach Ken Hinkley, his future was right back in the spotlight after a six-goal belting against the Swans at the SCG.
After Jase Burgoyne kicked the opening goal for the Power in the preliminary final, the Swans controlled proceedings the rest of the way en route to a 14.11 (95) to 8.11 (59) win that has given them another grand final berth.
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While the Swans can look forward to a shot at a third flag this century in a fifth grand final appearance under John Longmire, Hinkley is still yet to reach his first after his 12th year in charge.
While Hinkley was given assurances by Port president David Koch he would retain his job for next season following a thrilling three-point semi-final victory over Hawthorn last week, Friday’s performance had the naysayers back in full voice.
It came after Hinkley was in the news all week for his blast at Jack Ginnivan and James Sicily after that Hawks win, leading to a $20,000 fine from the AFL.
Commentators firstly discussed the 57-year-old’s future late in the fourth quarter at the SCG.
“He’s able to get Port Adelaide very close and not quite to the big dance,” James Brayshaw said.
“Does a hell of a lot right as coach of this club.”
“It’s just that last step,” Matthew Richardson added. “Unfortunately they haven’t been able to do it.”
Brian Taylor then aimed another question at Richardson.
“Despite what their president David Koch says, that he’ll definitely be there next year, Richo are you a believer? Do you think Ken will want to continue?” he asked.
“When is the time for a change with these good coaches?”
The Richmond great replied: “We just seem to judge teams, if you don’t win a flag, it’s not a good season.
“If you’re getting into the top four every year, you’ve had a good season.
“Who said anyone can come in and do better than Ken’s doing?”
Hinkley surpassed flag winner Mark Williams’ club record 273 games in charge of the Power against the Swans, but it’s not a night the incumbent will remember too fondly.
Sydney built a matchwinning 40-point lead at the last change before strolling to a win that gives them a grand final spot alongside either Geelong or Brisbane.
While the Swans were trending on X, so was Hinkley.
“Another year wasted with Ken. As soon as he knows he’s safe and will be coaching next year why bother trying,” was a comment from a fired up Port supporter.
“Why bother with (Charlie) Dixon? Why change the playing team from last week? Why can’t you see the way Sydney are controlling the game and change it up? Sack him!”
Another wrote: “Another prelim loss for Hinkley. That’s 4/4. Out coached. Pull the bandaid off please. Sack the fraud.”
A third added: “Alright so we won’t keep Hinkley now, right?”
Commentator and former Hawks skipper Luke Hodge was adamant Hinkley would be keen to continue, highlighting an exciting young Port midfield in particular.
Other fans also felt Hinkley was doing the best he could with the tools at his disposal.
“Port fans can hate Hinkley as much as they want, but really feel like Port have overachieved with this list,” one wrote.
Another agreed, posting: “For Hinkley to get that team full of holes to a top 4 finish is a decent coaching effort. A lot of very average players with poor depth underneath.”
Hinkley cut a circumspect figure in his post-match press conference.
“I understand the story will be around we failed to get there,” he said of a grand final appearance.
“I think we had a decent crack at it. Sydney were just better than us tonight.”
He was also asked about how much toll the recent speculation has taken on him.
“I’ve had great support from my family and from my footy club,” he said.
“We understand the storylines that go with my position. It’s part of the job.
“I don’t necessarily do it but it’s part of what I do.”
Originally published as Ken Hinkley trending as Port Adelaide crash out against Swans
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