Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Ken Hinkley has refused to reveal potential Tasmania Devils assistants just 48 hours after becoming the club’s inaugural AFL coach. The 59-year-old laughed when Kane Cornes asked about commitments during a Channel 7 interview on July 22 as the 2028 expansion build begins.
“No and no comment,” Ken Hinkley replied before explaining that no coaching appointments were ready to be announced. The Tasmania Devils must also select a football department leader before forming the playing list.
The appointment follows recent movement covered in AFL Trade News: Carlton Blues Chase Joel Amartey as Finn O’Sullivan Rejects Tasmania.
Experience shapes Ken Hinkley plan
The official AFL announcement confirms Ken Hinkley signed a five-year contract that begins on November 1. The agreement covers the Tasmania Devils’ first four AFL seasons after the club enters the competition in 2028.
Chad Cornes revealed Ken Hinkley sounded him out before securing the position, although no formal commitment has been reported. Chad Cornes previously worked under Ken Hinkley at the Port Adelaide Power and played for the Greater Western Sydney Giants during their early AFL years.
Ken Hinkley wants experienced people around a young program after watching the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants take different paths as expansion clubs.
“The (playing) experience that GWS brought in, and even with the coaching with (Kevin) Sheedy and with Choco (Mark Williams), you’ve got to bring in experience, you’ve got to help people learn to understand the game as much as you possibly can.”
Veteran recruits could set standards
Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce and Port Adelaide Power forward Mitch Georgiades have been linked with future moves, but neither player has committed. Ken Hinkley also used Luke Hodge’s move to the Brisbane Lions as an example of how an established player can guide younger teammates.
“Role model players, Luke, as you were when you went up to Brisbane to help a young side, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they’re great players to bring,” Ken Hinkley said.
Ken Hinkley acknowledged that building every part of the football operation carries risks. His first task is finding coaches, administrators and players prepared to move to Tasmania, stay long term and establish the standards of the AFL’s newest club.