“Extraordinary” interest for Hinkley as Victorian clubs circle

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has reportedly sounded out former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley to join the Hawks. 

Hinkley only recently finished up his tenure at the Power after 13 years, closing in style with a resounding surprise victory over finals contenders Gold Coast by four points.

It is understood that the Hawks, along with Essendon, have made contact with the 58-year-old for a "potential role".

Interestingly, Hawthorn's interest in Hinkley comes 12 months after their fiery semi-final encounter that involved Jack Ginnivan and James Sicily.

"Extraordinary that one of them is Sam Mitchell's football club, Hawthorn," Caroline Wilson revealed on 7NEWS Melbourne.

"Remember what happened during the finals last year? It was the story of the finals, really. The off-field story with the Jack Ginnivan saga and Sam Mitchell's words about Ken Hinkley after the game.

"But Sam Mitchell has spoken to Ken Hinkley about a potential role at Hawthorn.

"He would like to be challenged by someone like Ken Hinkley, and he thinks there is room for another voice in his footy department."

https://twitter.com/7AFL/status/1959906640167084094

Hinkley declared he hadn't received "one offer" but did allude to conversations with rival clubs a week ago.

"I have not had one offer. Let's be really clear about that. It doesn't mean I haven't had conversations at different levels, but I haven't had any conversations around an absolute offer to go to any club," Hinkley told3AW last week.
"I like to be really honest … I just need to get to the end and I need to have a long spell."

But Wilson reported that Hinkley could be looking at a part-time role at the Hawks, but acknowledged that many rival clubs will come calling.

"My understanding is Ken Hinkley is part of their plans if he was interested and they've spoken to him about a three to four-day role, commuting from Adelaide if he wanted, but also (potentially) living in Melbourne," Wilson added.

"But I don't think these are the last people that are going to talk to Ken Hinkley."

Interestingly, Hawthorn's interest in Hinkley could help them lure Zak Butters to the club.
Butters is contracted for 2026 and is all but set to see out his contract before he hits free agency.

The Hawks, along with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, are interested in the Power vice-captain's services.