Ken Hinkley’s Ambiguity Over Coaching Role with Tasmania Devils
Ken Hinkley, a seasoned AFL coach with a near 60% win rate over 13 seasons, has been named as the leading candidate to become the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils. However, he has been evasive about whether he will take on the role. The Devils, set to make their debut in less than two years, are currently in the process of building their football operations.
Hinkley recently met with Tasmania Devils chief executive Brendon Gale. He clarified that the meeting took place two weeks ago and emphasized that his discussions were focused on providing strategic advice rather than committing to a coaching position. “I’m one of the few coaches who has actually spent three years at a start-up club – and seen the ups and downs and what can happen if a start-up club gets it wrong,” he said.
Caroline Wilson, a panelist on Agenda Setters and experienced Age columnist, suggested that Hinkley is the frontrunner for the job. “If I had to call it tonight, I would say that Ken Hinkley will be the inaugural coach of the Tasmanian Devils,” she said. Despite this, Hinkley downplayed his chances, stating that the Devils have a long way to go before they are ready for a coach. “Initially, they’ve talked about having a football manager in place first [at the Devils] and then the coach. Now it sounds like it’s swinging back the other way,” he said.
Hinkley also mentioned that while he hasn’t made a decision about coaching again, he is enjoying his current role at SEN and Fox Footy. “I don’t know anything else other than being a footy coach,” he said. “I’m now six months into doing a different role which I am really enjoying.”
Kysaiah Pickett Avoids Sanctions After High Contact Incident
Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett has been cleared to play in the upcoming match against Hawthorn after avoiding further sanctions for high contact with West Coast’s Jake Waterman. Pickett made contact with Waterman’s head during the opening seconds of Melbourne’s 32-point win on Sunday. He immediately showed concern for his actions.
Despite Pickett’s history of suspensions for bumping opponents in the head, his actions were deemed reasonable in the contest with Waterman. Demons coach Steven King described the play as “legitimate” for possession, and AFL match review officer Michael Christian agreed. “Pickett did not elect to bump and his actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances,” the AFL stated.
King praised Pickett’s efforts to change his playing style. “He has worked hard to attack contests in a different manner,” he said. “It was ruled his actions were not unreasonable in the contest with Waterman.”
More Friday Night Double Headers Expected
AFL chief Andrew Dillon confirmed that fans can expect more Friday night double headers for the remainder of the year. Attendance has been strong for these matches, and the league plans to include more in the upcoming fixtures. “We’ll announce the fixture for rounds 16 to 22 in the next couple of days, and there’ll be a couple of more of those double headers,” Dillon said.
The double headers provide flexibility for the league’s fixturing team and allow for adequate breaks between games. “The Thursday nights have been unbelievably well attended, but also our strongest rating games this year have been the Thursday-night matches as well,” Dillon added.
St Kilda Coach Calls for More Games in Darwin
After St Kilda’s loss to Gold Coast, Saints coach Ross Lyon called for every club to play in Darwin. “Probably the opportunity for the AFL is play nine games here – every team, come and play a game here,” Lyon said. The Suns will stay in Darwin to play Port Adelaide on Friday, while Melbourne has a game in Alice Springs against GWS later this month.
Dillon said about three or four games per year is the right amount for the Top End. “For me, it’s about the young boys and girls in the NT being able to see the game up close is important,” he said. “It’s also making sure it doesn’t matter whether you’re from remote NT or suburban Melbourne or Sydney, we still want to provide opportunities for First Nations players.”
Bobby Hill’s Return to AFL
Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz said he has noticed a big shift in Bobby Hill’s fitness as the 2023 Norm Smith medallist builds towards an AFL return via the VFL. Hill played just one AFL match since round 17 last year and took time away from the club for personal reasons before returning to play the past three VFL matches. He played a full game at the weekend.
Schultz said Hill would make a difference in the forward line, but his return would not be rushed. “He is a very special player in our forward half. He would be a very big help in our forward line,” Schultz said. “We just love seeing Bobby being his bright and bubbly self.”
Hill was at the launch of Sir Doug Nicholls Round but did not speak to the media. He was part of a photo with a dozen Indigenous players wearing the Indigenous jumpers which clubs will wear in rounds 10 and 11.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league is considering allowing clubs to have a list spot reserved for Indigenous players. “Ultimately, it’s about investing in the grassroots and getting more boys and girls playing,” he said. The Indigenous All-Stars match, which was played in 2025, will remain alongside state of origin games as part of the calendar of representative matches.
Honoring Michael McLean
Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Bears champion Michael McLean was announced as the Sir Doug Nicholls Round honoree this season. The AFL recognized his extraordinary contribution to the sport as both a player and a key figure who stood up to racism during his career to effect change.
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