Ken Hinkley has been named the first head coach of the Tasmania Devils, marking a historic moment for Australian Rules Football. The announcement, made at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, signals a new chapter for both Hinkley and the sport in Tasmania.
Why Ken Hinkley Was Chosen Over Other Candidates
Hinkley beat out strong contenders like Nathan Buckley and John Longmire. Buckley was an early favourite but lacked the salesmanship needed to spruik the gospel, as Devils CEO Brendon Gale noted. Longmire, despite five grand final appearances, is comfortable in Sydney. Hinkley’s willingness to upend his life for the island state set him apart.
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Hinkley’s Coaching Record at Port Adelaide
When Hinkley took over Port Adelaide, the club had won only eight of its last 44 games. He turned them into a competitive force, winning nearly 60% of matches. He convinced players they were better than they thought—a hallmark of his father-figure style. Yet he never reached the mountaintop, falling short against cannily coached teams like those of Clarkson, Hardwick, or Beveridge.
| Metric | Ken Hinkley | Nathan Buckley | John Longmire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games coached | 300+ | 250+ | 350+ |
| Win % | ~59% | ~55% | ~62% |
| Grand finals | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Willingness to relocate | High | Moderate | Low |
Key Takeaways from the Appointment
- Hinkley is a master connector and motivator, described as a football father.
- His handover at Port Adelaide was scripted and corporate, but he now brings authenticity to Tasmania.
- The Devils’ CEO emphasized Hinkley’s ability to sell the gospel of Tasmanian football.
- Critics point to Hinkley’s rigidity and lack of a premiership as potential concerns.
What This Means for Tasmania
The Tasmania Devils are a new franchise entering the AFL, and Hinkley will build the team from scratch. His experience in resurrecting Port Adelaide’s culture is invaluable. He already sounds like a local, using “we” and “us against the mainland” rhetoric to unite the island.
However, he must adapt his game plan to succeed in big matches. His teams often lacked a key defender or forward, and luck rarely favored them. If he can learn from past mistakes, the Devils could become a formidable side.
FAQ
Why did Ken Hinkley get the Tasmania Devils job over Nathan Buckley?
Hinkley was seen as a better salesman and more willing to relocate to Tasmania. Buckley lacked the ability to charm and spruik the club’s vision.
What is Ken Hinkley’s coaching record?
He won nearly 60% of his games at Port Adelaide and turned a struggling team into a finals contender. However, he never won a premiership.
When will the Tasmania Devils start playing?
The team is expected to enter the AFL in 2028, with Hinkley overseeing player recruitment and development in the interim.
Ken Hinkley’s appointment is a gamble but one full of potential. If he can channel his fatherly aura into a winning formula, Tasmania may finally have the football team it deserves.
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