Hinkley's Farewell: 'Premiership Miss Stings' as Port Adelaide Era Concludes
Hinkley's Farewell: 'Premiership Miss Stings' as Port Adelaide Era Concludes
As Ken Hinkley prepares to coach Port Adelaide for the final time, the outgoing mentor has candidly admitted the lack of a premiership still “stings a lot”. The 58-year-old’s nine-year tenure at the Power has been marked by consistent competitiveness and several strong seasons, but ultimately falls short of the ultimate prize – an AFL premiership.
Speaking ahead of Port Adelaide’s upcoming game, Hinkley acknowledged that his legacy at the club would largely be defined by their struggles in AFL finals. Despite leading the Power to multiple finals appearances, including a Grand Final in 2017, the inability to secure a drought-breaking premiership remains a significant point of reflection.
“It stings a lot,” Hinkley stated, reflecting on the years of effort and dedication invested in the club. “You put everything into it, and you want to achieve that ultimate goal. When you don't, it’s hard. It’s a tough thing to accept.”
Hinkley's departure was announced earlier in the season, creating a unique atmosphere around the club as they navigate the final games of his reign. While the players are undoubtedly motivated to send their coach out on a high note, the shadow of past finals failures looms large.
The coach admitted that while he’s proud of the team’s achievements and the development of many players during his time, the absence of a premiership is a constant reminder of what could have been. “I’m proud of what we’ve built here, the culture we’ve created, and the players we’ve developed,” he said. “But ultimately, you’re judged on winning premierships, and we haven’t been able to do that.”
Looking ahead, Hinkley expressed hope for the future of Port Adelaide, believing that the foundations he and his coaching staff have laid will serve the club well under new leadership. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong culture and continuing to develop young talent.
“This club has a fantastic future,” Hinkley declared. “There’s a lot of talent here, and I’m confident that the next coach will be able to build on what we’ve achieved and bring home the premiership that the fans deserve.”
The final game of Hinkley’s tenure will be a significant moment for the club and its supporters, a chance to celebrate his contributions and acknowledge the end of an era. While the premiership dream remains unfulfilled, the memories and moments created under his leadership will undoubtedly be cherished by Port Adelaide fans for years to come. The focus now shifts to the future, and the challenge of finally breaking the premiership drought.
