Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has emerged as the favourite to become the inaugural senior coach of Tasmania's new AFL team, according to Channel 7's Caroline Wilson. Hinkley, 59, stepped down as Power coach at the end of last season after 13 years and has since moved into a commentary role, but reportedly retains a strong desire to return to senior coaching.
Wilson reported on The Agenda Setters that Hinkley has held repeated conversations with Tasmania officials, including a meeting with CEO Brendon Gale in Melbourne last week. While not yet confirmed, she stated, 'If I had to call it tonight, I would say that Ken Hinkley will be the inaugural coach of the Tasmanian Devils.' She added that an appointment could be made as early as June.
Other candidates include former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who has long been considered a leading contender, and Sydney premiership coach John Longmire. Wilson noted that Buckley would have secured the role last September had Melbourne offered him a job, as Tasmania would have 'pounced.' However, she indicated that the club's list-building philosophy now favours Hinkley.
Tasmania's list-building strategy includes a $5 million bonus to attract players over the first two years, which Wilson says will likely be spread across five players. The club aims for a blend of youth and experience, with 'franchise players' central to the plan.
Hinkley addressed the report on SEN radio, confirming he met with Gale but remaining non-committal. 'I'm not saying that I'm going to be a coach again or not,' he said. 'Right now I'll give every bit of help or advice I can to help that football club when it starts up, which is two years away.' Wilson countered that Tasmania wants its coach on board by the end of this year, making the role imminent.
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes, who played under Hinkley, interpreted the potential move as a sign that Hinkley believes Tasmania can win a premiership within five years. 'There is still an itch there that needs to be scratched,' Cornes said. 'If he takes this job, he believes Tassie can do this probably quicker than any other team has ever done it before.'
