‘I did meet with them two weeks ago’: Hinkley ducks and weaves on coaching Tasmania question
‘I did meet with them two weeks ago’: Hinkley ducks and weaves on coaching Tasmania question
The AFL coaching carousel has taken a dramatic turn as former Port Adelaide mentor Ken Hinkley addresses swirling rumors linking him to the inaugural head coaching position at the Tasmania Devils. During a high-profile media appearance, Hinkley offered a series of nuanced responses that have left fans and pundits questioning his future intentions. While veteran journalist Caroline Wilson identified Hinkley as the current frontrunner for the 19th AFL team's top job, Hinkley himself has engaged in a complex series of denials and clarifications regarding his recent interactions with Tasmanian officials. The situation remains fluid as the Devils prepare for their highly anticipated 2028 entry into the league, with the search for a founding coach becoming the centerpiece of Australian rules football discussion.
Ken Hinkley’s status as the favorite for the Tasmania Devils coaching role remains a point of intense debate. Despite reports suggesting repeated meetings with Devils CEO Brendon Gale, Hinkley has clarified that while he has met with Tassie officials, the timeline and nature of those discussions are more advisory than contractual. Currently enjoying a media role after a 13-season tenure at Port Adelaide, Hinkley insists he has not committed to any coaching job for the 2028 season, even as he acknowledges that the "itch" to win a premiership remains a powerful motivator.
The Caroline Wilson Report: Identifying a New Favorite
The firestorm began on Channel Seven's The Agenda Setters when Caroline Wilson dropped a bombshell report regarding the Tasmania Devils' coaching hunt. According to Wilson, Ken Hinkley has emerged as the clear favorite to lead the Apple Isle's first professional football team. She noted that while he is "not over the line," the board has allegedly ratified a list-building philosophy that aligns perfectly with Hinkley's extensive experience.
Wilson's report detailed that Hinkley had been in Melbourne meeting with Brendon Gale and other high-ranking Tasmania bosses. The significance of this report cannot be understated; as the inaugural season approaches, the Devils need a figurehead who understands the unique pressures of a start-up environment. Hinkley, having been part of the Gold Coast Suns' entry into the league, fits that profile better than almost any other available candidate.
Ken Hinkley Clarifies: 'I didn't meet with Tassie last week'
In a rapid response to the reports, Hinkley took to the airwaves on SEN Sportsday to set the record straight. His strategy was one of careful clarification. "I didn't meet with Tassie last week," Hinkley stated emphatically, directly contradicting parts of the report. However, it was his subsequent admission that caught the attention of listeners: "I did meet with them two weeks ago."
This "ducking and weaving," as some have termed it, highlights the delicate dance between high-level AFL figures and the media. By shifting the timeline, Hinkley was able to deny the specific "fresh news" while confirming the underlying reality that he is indeed in active communication with the Tasmanian expansion team. This distinction suggests that while negotiations may not be at a fever pitch, the foundation is certainly being laid.
The Start-Up Specialist: Why Hinkley is the Preferred Choice
One of the primary reasons Hinkley is being sought after is his unique history with expansion clubs. Before his long stint at Port Adelaide, Hinkley spent three formative years as an assistant at the Gold Coast Suns during their inaugural period. He witnessed firsthand the challenges of integrating young talent, managing internal expectations, and dealing with the logistical hurdles of a new franchise.
Hinkley himself pointed to this experience as the reason for his meetings. He explained that the Tasmania Devils are "leaning into" his experience to ensure they don't repeat the mistakes made by previous start-up clubs. His perspective on "getting a start-up club wrong" is invaluable to Brendon Gale and the Tasmanian board as they attempt to build a competitive roster from day one.
Advisory Role vs. Head Coaching Ambitions
A recurring theme in Hinkley’s recent commentary is the suggestion that his talks with Tasmania have centered on non-coaching roles. He has mentioned that the conversations have been "around different roles altogether," such as a football manager or a mentor position. This serves as a convenient shield against the pressure of being named the "coach-in-waiting."
However, many AFL insiders remain skeptical. Given Hinkley’s competitive nature and his status as one of the league's most respected tactical minds, the transition from "advisor" to "senior coach" is a path often traveled in professional sports. If the Devils provide him with the right resources and the $5 million list-building bonus reported in various outlets, the allure of the top job might be impossible to resist.
| Key Event / Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Adelaide Tenure | 13 Seasons (2013-2025) |
| AFLCA Coach of the Year | Winner in 2013 and 2020 |
| Tasmania Entry Year | 2028 Season |
| Recent Meeting Confirmed | Late April/Early May 2026 |
The Brendon Gale Factor: Building the Foundation
Brendon Gale, the CEO of the Tasmania Devils, is a man on a mission to ensure the club's success. His recruitment strategy involves bringing in the "best in class," and Hinkley represents a safe pair of hands with high upside. Gale’s relationship with Hinkley is described as professional and collaborative, with both parties focusing on the long-term viability of the 19th license.
Gale is reportedly looking for a coach who can handle the scrutiny of a football-mad state. Tasmania has waited decades for its own team, and the inaugural coach will be under a microscope from the moment they are appointed. Hinkley’s resilience during his final years at Port Adelaide—where he navigated intense fan pressure and a coaching succession plan—proves he has the temperament required for the Tasmanian fishbowl.
Competing Candidates: Is Nathan Buckley Still in the Frame?
While Hinkley has moved to the front of the pack, he isn't the only big name linked to the role. Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has long been the sentimental favorite for the position. Buckley has been out of the coaching game for several years, thriving in a media role, but the chance to lead a brand-new franchise could be the spark needed to bring him back to the bench.
Other names floating around include Adam Simpson and various top-tier assistants like Josh Fraser or Daniel Giansiracusa. However, the Devils' board seems to be prioritizing experience over fresh blood. The consensus among AFL experts is that a start-up club cannot afford to take a risk on an unproven senior coach, which naturally funnels the search toward figures like Hinkley and Buckley.
The Lifestyle Hurdle: Would Hinkley Move to Tasmania?
A significant factor in any coaching appointment is the personal logistics. Hinkley has spent the last decade-plus in South Australia and has deep roots in Victoria. Some analysts, including those on various footy podcasts, have questioned whether a move to Hobart or Launceston would suit Hinkley’s lifestyle at this stage of his career.
Hinkley is approaching 60, and while he looks "fresh and recharged" in his media duties, the grind of a head coaching role is immense. However, Hinkley has hinted that the "itch" to win a flag is still there. Having coached the most games without a Grand Final appearance, the narrative of leading a new team to glory would be the ultimate redemption story for one of the game's most consistent winners.
Timeline for the Appointment: When Will Tasmania Decide?
The Tasmania Devils are in a unique position where they have time on their side. With their first game not scheduled until 2028, they don't need to rush into a coaching appointment. However, the general consensus is that the football department needs a leader sooner rather than later to oversee list management and recruitment strategies.
If Hinkley were to take the job, an appointment in late 2026 or early 2027 would allow him to spend a full year scouting talent and building the club's culture before a ball is ever bounced. This "slow build" approach was successful for some expansion teams in other codes and could be the blueprint for the Devils' success.
Conclusion
Ken Hinkley’s "ducking and weaving" on the Tasmania question is a classic example of AFL theater. While he denies a meeting "last week," his confirmation of talks "two weeks ago" confirms that the wheels are firmly in motion. Whether he eventually signs on as the inaugural head coach or remains in an advisory capacity, Hinkley’s fingerprints will likely be all over the Tasmania Devils' foundation. As the 2028 season approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see if the man who stabilized Port Adelaide can do the same for the Apple Isle's first-ever AFL team.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Ken Hinkley meet with the Tasmania Devils? Yes, Hinkley confirmed he met with Devils officials, including CEO Brendon Gale, approximately two weeks ago to discuss the club's setup.
- Is Ken Hinkley the favorite for the Tasmania coaching job? According to Caroline Wilson, Hinkley is currently the frontrunner, though Hinkley himself maintains he has not made a decision.
- When will the Tasmania Devils start playing in the AFL? The Tasmania Devils are scheduled to enter the AFL competition in the 2028 season.
- Why does Tasmania want Ken Hinkley? The club values his experience with previous start-up clubs and his long, successful tenure at Port Adelaide.
- What other roles could Hinkley take at Tasmania? Hinkley has mentioned that discussions have also involved advisory roles or football management positions rather than just the senior coaching role.
‘I did meet with them two weeks ago’: Hinkley ducks and weaves on coaching Tasmania question
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