Ken Hinkley, the former Port Adelaide coach, has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Tasmania Devils, a role that demands more than just on-field strategy. According to a report by Jonathan Horn in Guardian Australia's From the Pocket newsletter, Hinkley's announcement this week 'felt like a love-in', with praise for his ability to connect with players and the local community.
Why Hinkley was chosen over other candidates
Hinkley was selected ahead of other high-profile candidates, including Nathan Buckley and John Longmire. Buckley, the early favourite, was seen as lacking the salesmanship needed to 'spruik the gospel' as Devils CEO Brendon Gale put it. Longmire, despite taking Sydney to five grand finals, has a comfortable role and seemed less willing to upend his life. Both Buckley and Hinkley were more prepared to move to Tasmania and build a team from scratch.
Hinkley's coaching record at Port Adelaide includes winning nearly 60% of his games and making the team relevant again after a period of disarray. However, his tenure was also marked by contention, with critics pointing to his rigidity and inability to win a premiership. His teams often fell short in big games, lacking luck, key defenders, or a flexible game plan.
Hinkley's strengths: connection and persuasion
Despite past criticisms, Hinkley's ability to connect with young footballers and foster a siege mentality made him the ideal candidate for Tasmania. The role requires someone who can identify, nurture, and retain talent, as well as sell a vision to players, managers, parents, and the entire island. Hinkley's persuasive nature was evident in his first press conference, where he quickly won over locals by using terms like 'we' and 'us against the mainland'.
Hinkley's former mentor, Malcolm Blight, advised him to take on a struggling country team to test his passion. While the Tasmania job offers generous draft concessions and a football-mad state, it comes with challenges. The training centre won't be ready by the 2028 preseason, and Tasmanian politics remain unpredictable. Uncertainty also surrounds the stadium, its roof, and the state's financial capacity.
Coaching market and Tasmania's unique needs
The current coaching market is a buyer's market, with three former premiership coaches available, along with Buckley and a strong pool of assistants. Each club seeks different qualities: Essendon wants a club person, Carlton aims to avoid past mistakes, and Richmond and North Melbourne may want someone to build on rebuild work. Tasmania, however, needed a coach who could be a football father and a master connector, which Hinkley embodies.
When Hinkley first met Gale, he said, 'I'm a football coach. I don't know too much else.' But both knew he was selling himself short. This role demands far more than coaching, and Hinkley's ability to inspire and unite makes him the right man for the job.
