KEN HINKLEY will remain at Alberton.
That's the clear message of the new three-year contract that will tie him to Port Adelaide as senior coach until at least the end of the 2021 season.
Hinkley, who turns 51 next week, was linked to offers from rival clubs in the aftermath of the Power's season, however on the back of an appearance on FIVEaa last night, has agreed to terms on a new deal.
Having joined the club at the end of 2012, Hinkley has led the Power to three finals campaigns in his five seasons at the helm.
This new deal will see him close in on Mark Williams as the club's longest-serving AFL coach - Williams's tenure extended over 11 years from 1999-2010.
Speaking overnight, Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au the opportunity to lead a list he has progressively built since 2013 was one of the hooks to keep him at Alberton.
“I’m working with a talented young list, a great group of coaches and a very well-resourced football program so I’m looking as forward to this upcoming pre-season as the day I first arrived,” Hinkley said.
“The club and I had a vision when I started at the end of 2012 and I’m just as committed to Port Adelaide as the club is to me to give our vision every chance to succeed.
“Together we’ve been able to do that so far and it just makes sense that we would continue on in that same direction as a football club and I want to be a part of that.
“I feel I have the energy and drive to ensure I can lead Port Adelaide’s climb over the coming years."
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said stability was front of mind when considering the club's future direction.
He echoed Hinkley's comments about continuing the journey set about with his appointment five years ago.
“We have spent the last week as a football club reviewing season 2017 and despite the disappointment of losing in the first week of the finals we are confident our football program is heading in the right direction,” he said.
“Success is built on stability and both Ken and the club understand the importance of ‘staying the journey’. We started a journey together at the end of 2012 and we are looking forward to continuing that commitment to each other for the coming years.
“And Ken heads up our football program and we have great confidence in his ability to grow and develop our young squad, including the six players who made their AFL debuts this season."
Hinkley has a 56.52% winning record as an AFL coach and was the 2013 AFL Coaches' Association's Coach of the Year.
http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2 ... nd-of-2021
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 6:35 pm. He's learnt a new skill... talking in the 3rd person!
