Ken Hinkley Addresses Blame Amid Port Adelaide's Fourth Preliminary Final Loss Since 2014
Port Adelaide's coach Ken Hinkley has faced intense scrutiny after another preliminary final loss, marking his fourth underperformance in similar matches since 2014. Despite his overall 60% win-loss record, fans have directed their frustrations toward him. Hinkley acknowledges his role in the team's struggles but insists that the blame should not rest solely on him, emphasizing it as a collective issue within the club.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is facing renewed scrutiny following the team's disappointing exit from the finals, marking another chapter in his lengthy coaching tenure. The Power fell short in a preliminary final, leading Hinkley to address criticism and the narrative surrounding his coaching record in post-season matches.
Hinkley Reflects on Persistent Criticism
Ken Hinkley has publicly requested that the ongoing discourse about his finals inadequacies cease, while acknowledging why he often bears the brunt of criticism as the team's head coach. Since taking the helm in 2012, Hinkley has seen Port Adelaide stumble in significant finals matchups, most recently suffering a six-goal loss in their latest preliminary final. The defeat marks the fourth time the club has failed to advance past this stage under his leadership, with previous losses in 2014, 2020, and 2021.
Disappointing Track Record in Finals
With his finals record now standing at a mere six wins out of 15 attempts, Hinkley finds himself in an unenviable position, holding the record for the most games coached in the VFL/AFL without reaching a grand final. Despite the spotlight on him, Hinkley has urged against placing singular blame on his shoulders, framing the situation as a collective issue rather than a reflection solely of individual failings. He stated that the narrative surrounding his role should shift, emphasizing that the responsibility lies within the entire club.
Support Amidst Challenges
Despite vocal dissent from fans, including noticeable "Hinkley OUT" campaigns following a previous defeat, Hinkley has found strength from his family and the broader football community. While he acknowledges the pressures that come with his position, he expresses a level of acceptance regarding the scrutiny. Hinkley emphasizes the importance of resilience and collective effort, affirming his commitment to the club and its long-term aspirations.
Struggles Against a Formidable Opponent
In their latest match against Sydney, Port Adelaide struggled to match the intensity of their opponents, who were adept at capitalizing on opportunities. Hinkley noted the team's intention to apply pressure but lamented their inability to execute that effectively, particularly in contested situations. After kicking the first goal of the match, the Power found themselves trailing throughout, ultimately succumbing to a hefty 36-point defeat.
Looking Forward
Expressing disappointment over the recent outcome, Hinkley reflected on the challenges of reaching the grand final, a goal that remains elusive for Port Adelaide. He praised the club's unity throughout the season, despite the final outcome, reiterating that the path to success requires perseverance and a collective commitment from all members of the organization.
Summary of Hinkley's Preliminary Final History
Hinkley's struggles in preliminary finals include notable losses in 2014 to Hawthorn, in 2020 to Richmond, in 2021 to Western Bulldogs, and most recently in 2024 to Sydney. Each defeat adds to the pressure on the coach as he navigates the complexities of team leadership in a highly competitive environment.
