Ken Hinkley looks set to become the first coach in Tasmania Devils history. After an extensive recruitment process, multiple reports indicate the former Port Adelaide mentor has won the race for one of the biggest jobs in Australian football.
According to ESPN, Hinkley has emerged as the preferred candidate to lead the AFL’s 19th club ahead of experienced rivals Nathan Buckley and John Longmire, with an official announcement expected in the near future.
The appointment would see Hinkley take charge of the Devils well before they enter the AFL in 2028, giving him time to help shape the club’s list, football program and culture from the ground up. The Age has also reported that Tasmania wanted an experienced senior coach capable of building an expansion club from scratch rather than simply coaching an established list.
Hinkley brings exactly that profile.
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Across 13 seasons at Port Adelaide, he became one of the competition’s longest-serving coaches, guiding the Power to multiple finals campaigns while developing a reputation as one of the league’s strongest relationship builders and player developers. Although a premiership eluded him, his ability to create consistent finals teams made him one of the AFL’s most respected senior coaches.
The coaching search attracted some of the biggest names in football.
According to ESPN, Nathan Buckley and former Sydney Swans premiership coach John Longmire were both interviewed as Tasmania narrowed its shortlist before Hinkley emerged as the standout candidate.
The decision is viewed as one of the most important in the club’s short history.
Devils CEO Brendon Gale has repeatedly stated the inaugural coach will play a major role in recruiting players, establishing standards and creating the identity of the competition’s newest club. AFL.com.au has also highlighted the importance of securing an experienced coach before Tasmania accelerates its list build over the next two years.
If appointed, Hinkley will have a unique opportunity.
Very few coaches have been handed the chance to build an AFL club from day one. From recruiting staff and players to developing the club’s game style, nearly every major football decision will pass through the inaugural coach.
After more than a decade leading Port Adelaide, that opportunity now appears set to belong to Ken Hinkley.
