After a weekend of uncertainty, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has officially put pen to paper on a three-year extension that will see him remain at the Power until at least the end of the 2021 season.
Hinkley was linked to the vacant Gold Coast coaching job, although he turned down a long-term deal with the Suns to remain at the Power.
Since joining the Power at the end of the 2012 season, Hinkley has led the club to three finals appearances, including a preliminary final in 2014.
“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 told portadelaide.com.au.
“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."
Power chief executive Keith Thomas said the club's main focus was providing stability around Port Adelaide, and said Hinkley had deserved the extension.
“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,” Thomas told the club's website.
“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."
