The AFL's Tasmania Devils are on the hunt for a new coach, and the search has led them to Ken Hinkley, a former Port Adelaide coach with a reputation for excellence in people management and a strong connection to the Tasmanian community. Hinkley's presentation to the selection panel on Sunday marks a significant step in the club's rigorous process to find the right leader for their new team.
What makes Hinkley an intriguing candidate is his ability to create a down-to-earth, hard-working football club culture. This is particularly important for the Devils, who are establishing themselves as Tasmania's team and need a coach who can connect with the local community. Hinkley's experience in building a strong foundation for the Gold Coast Suns, including attracting key players like Gary Ablett, showcases his potential to do the same for the Devils.
His connections within the industry are also noteworthy. Hinkley has a strong relationship with Chris Fagan, a dual premiership coach and Tasmanian native. This connection could be beneficial for the Devils, as they seek to build a competitive team in the AFL.
However, the selection process is far from straightforward. The panel has already met with Geelong assistant and former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, and former Sydney Swans coach John Longmire. Both Buckley and Longmire have expressed mixed feelings about the opportunity, with Longmire stating he has more questions than answers and Buckley being tight-lipped about his conversations with the panel.
The Devils' search for a coach is part of a broader coaching market that includes the Carlton and Essendon clubs. The Devils' selection panel, including president Grant O'Brien, chief executive Brendon Gale, football director Alastair Lynch, and strategy, people, and culture manager Lauren Jauncey, will need to make a recommendation to the board. The board will then decide on the coach, with the club aiming to make an appointment by the end of the season.
The Devils are also in the market for a football manager, with Gale meeting with former Essendon coach Brad Scott to gather insights. The club's commitment to a long-term deal, potentially five years, highlights the significant investment they are willing to make in their new coach. This approach is a strategic move to ensure the coach has the necessary support and time to build a competitive team.
In conclusion, the Tasmania Devils' search for a coach is a fascinating process, with Hinkley emerging as a strong candidate. The club's emphasis on culture, community connection, and long-term commitment to the coach is a refreshing approach in the AFL. As the selection panel deliberates, the future of the Devils looks bright, with the potential to become a formidable force in the competition.
