Ken Hinkley’s future with Port Adelaide is looking increasingly uncertain as the club fights to remain in the top eight of the AFL ladder. It was previously announced that this season would be Hinkley’s last, with Josh Carr poised to take over after the season ends. However, according to 9News reporter Tom Morris, there is a possibility that Hinkley may depart before the season concludes if he feels the team’s chances for contention are dwindling.
In a discussion on Nine’s Footy Classified, Morris noted that Port Adelaide and Hinkley are aligned in their views regarding his future. The club is not expected to sack him mid-season; instead, they will allow him to make the decision to step down when he believes the situation warrants it. Should it come to that, Port Adelaide plans to handle the transition with dignity and respect.
Currently, Port Adelaide sits at 15th on the ladder, two wins shy of the top eight, raising concerns among players and analysts alike. Former Crows player Rory Sloane voiced his worries about the team’s performance, particularly noting that their second halves in recent matches have been particularly poor.
The possibility of change has sparked discussions regarding whether a shift in coaching could impact player performance. Essendon legend James Hird expressed uncertainty about whether players would perform better if Hinkley were to leave early. He speculated that Carr might take over at a challenging time, which could lead to increased pressure if results do not improve immediately.
As the club navigates these challenges, the focus remains on whether Hinkley will remain until the end of the season or decide to step aside sooner. The situation is evolving, with the management prepared to manage any decisions thoughtfully for the benefit of both the team and Hinkley himself.