Travis Boak says Port Adelaide plans to send off Ken Hinkley in a big way

Port Adelaide champion Travis Boak has opened up about the succession plan in place and what outgoing coach Ken Hinkley means to the group.

Port Adelaide champion Travis Boak says outgoing coach Ken Hinkley has been a father figure to many players. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Port Adelaide champion Travis Boak says the Power plans to send “more than just a footy coach” off on a strong note in Ken Hinkley’s final year at the helm in 2025.

Hinkley will coach his final year at Port Adelaide this season as part of the Power’s succession plan with assistant coach Josh Carr.

Speaking to former AFL player Dylan Buckley on the Dyl & Friends podcast, Boak said Hinkley was a father figure at Port and the players would dig deeper for him this year.

“The first initial emotion was probably a bit of sadness, definitely … we’ve been together a long time,” Boak said of his relationship with Hinkley.

“2013 was his first year, so what’s that, 12 (or) 13 years, something like that, and he’s been a father figure to a lot of guys – more than just a footy coach.

“I know not just me but a lot of guys have sat in his office and poured their heart out at times and he’s just been a rock for a lot of guys.

“He’s meant so much to this footy club, so much to a lot of players, it’s going to be a pretty big year for sure, we’d love to send him off on a big note.”

Port Adelaide champion Travis Boak says outgoing coach Ken Hinkley has been a father figure to many players. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Boak, who has played 371 AFL games for the Power, said he would to play as long as he could under Carr provided his body and form remained up to the level.

Boak tipped Carr to fit into the role in 2026 seamlessly after noticing obvious growth in him as a coach.

“Carry, an absolute champion player at the footy club and (has) learnt a lot from when he first started as a coach, going over and coaching Freo,” Boak said.

“Coming back, he’s going to be a ripper. The club is in good hands, but it’s definitely going to be an emotional year this year for sure.”

Port Adelaide kicks off its season with the challenge of Collingwood at the MCG in round 1.

The Power officially finalised their list on Monday, locking in suburban bolter Josh Lai as their SSP selection.