Ken Hinkley has officially touched down as the inaugural Tasmania Devils coach.
“It's a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to build something from the very beginning,” Hinkley said.
“The responsibility to lead Tasmania's entry into the AFL is something very special; it excites me.
"There will be many ups and downs and challenges that lie ahead, including the build of our football department, but I have unique and directly relevant experience to take these on alongside the broader football club.
“Tasmania is a proud football state, and I can't wait to get to know the players, staff, partners and community who have been and will continue to be part of this from day one.”
FOLLOW LIVE BLOG - Ken Hinkley addresses the media following Devils appointment
Tasmania's Chair Grant O'Brien said Hinkley was favoured over other candidates given his ability to build relationships with players and build an environment suitable to the state.
“I am thrilled to announce Ken Hinkley as Tasmania's inaugural AFL head coach,” O'Brien said.
“We conducted a thorough and complete process to get us to this significant announcement.
“We didn't set out to find the candidate with the single best win-loss record in this process; we set out to find the right coach for exactly what Tasmania needs right now.
“Ken's ability to build relationships with young players and to build an environment that people want to be part of is exceptional; it is the number one reason we believe he is the right fit for this club.
“We are building a list, a program and a club from the ground up, largely with young and developing talent.
“That demands a head coach who is, first and foremost, a brilliant teacher and a builder of people, and that is exactly what Ken is.”
The Devils expect to appoint their inaugural AFLW head coach by the end of 2026.
