Hawthorn and Essendon have both spoken to former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley about joining their football departments, according to veteran reporter Caroline Wilson.
The link to the Hawks is particularly notable given Hinkley’s dealings with the club and coach Sam Mitchell after the 2023 finals, when the then-Power coach taunted Jack Ginnivan after a narrow win.
But according to Wilson, the in-demand long-time senior coach has spoken directly with Mitchell about heading to Waverley Park to help “challenge” the Brownlow medallist-turned-boss.
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The Bombers have had similar talks with Hinkley about him joining Brad Scott’s staff.
“Extraordinary that one of them (teams interested) is Sam Mitchell’s club, Hawthorn,” Wilson said on Seven News.
“You remember what happened in the finals last year, it was the story of the finals really, 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 thinks there’s room for another voice in his football department – they wouldn’t be getting rid of anyone, just adding to what they’ve already got.
“Essendon didn’t want to comment but I’ve had it confirmed have spoken with Hinkley about a role with Brad Scott and his team at the Bombers.
“They’ve reached out unofficially but soon to be officially, and they won’t be the last.”
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Hinkley has previously been linked with Carlton in a potential general manager of football role.
After the Power’s final-round win over Gold Coast, which sent him off on a high note, Hinkley declared right now coaching anywhere else would feel almost like cheating.
“I’m in love with the Port Adelaide footy club … that’s not easy to walk away from,” Hinkley said.
“I need a bit of time to let the dust settle and find out whether I’ve still got the competitive edge to want to compete.
“I don’t know. Going against Port Adelaide doesn’t seem anywhere near right.”
However he is widely expected to, after a break from the game, gain interest in a fresh role inside the AFL system.
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