Ken Hinkley's Relaxed Reunion: Former Port Adelaide Coach Shares Light-Hearted Banter with Ex-Players
Ken Hinkley, the former Port Adelaide coach, demonstrated that his charismatic touch remains undiminished during a cheerful reunion with his old players. The encounter occurred just before the Power's match against Essendon at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, where Hinkley, now working as a commentator, dished out several playful sprays in a relaxed atmosphere.
A Stress-Free Transition to Commentary
Having stepped down from his 13-year tenure as Port Adelaide coach at the end of last year, handing over to Josh Carr, Hinkley is now in his first year outside the AFL or VFL system in over four decades. This season, he has embraced a much less stressful role on the other side of the microphone, serving as a commentator for Fox Sports and SEN. About an hour before calling the game for the team he once led to 174 wins from 297 matches, Hinkley caught up with a number of his former charges, engaging in good-natured ribbing that highlighted his newfound ease.
Playful Jabs and Laughter Fill the Air
With a cheeky smile and laugh, Hinkley could be heard saying, "At least nothing's changed — Mitch (Georgiades) is still doing the same stupid things!" This light-hearted remark set the tone for the reunion, which included a couple more expletive-laden jabs that, while not PG-rated, were received with equal enthusiasm by the group. The players all enjoyed a hearty laugh, savoring the unique moment of camaraderie with their former mentor.
Embracing a Newfound Sense of Calm
At 59 years old, Hinkley is cutting a much more relaxed figure since his last game in charge. In a recent interview with AFL.com.au, he revealed that he is finally sleeping properly after 43 consecutive years as a coach or player at the highest level. "I can have a little bit of unbroken sleep now and go back to sleep without having the thought of staying awake or not thinking about footy," he shared. Reflecting on his past, Hinkley added, "In the middle of the night when it's quiet and dark, there's nothing else to think other than, 'Oh, what have I got to do for footy? What's on? Who's injured? Who's playing? Who's not playing? Where are we playing? What have we got to do?' You know, everything's got to be ready in a certain time in a footy season."
This transition marks a significant shift for Hinkley, who is now enjoying the benefits of a slower pace and the opportunity to reconnect with his former players in a more casual setting. His ability to maintain strong relationships and inject humor into the reunion underscores his enduring influence in the AFL community, even as he steps into a new chapter of his career.
