Ken Hinkley locked in for two more years with Port Adelaide after signing extension

Ken Hinkley’s future at Port Adelaide has finally been settled after signing a two-year contract to remain as Power coach.

Out-of-contract at season’s end, Port president David Koch wanted to wait as long as possible before recommitting to Hinkley.

Koch did admit last week it would be “silly” to let the saga drag into finals and become a “distraction” as the club chases its second AFL premiership.

But with Port set to secure a top-four finish after missing finals last year, Hinkley was on Tuesday confirmed to be staying on until at least the end of 2025.

“We have great confidence in what this playing group can achieve, this year and into the future, with Ken at the helm,” Koch said in a statement.

“We believe confirming Ken’s contract extension now provides our football program with confidence and certainty heading into an exciting finals campaign.

“Our win on Sunday locked away a top four finish providing a strong platform heading into September.”

Hinkley started as coach in 2013, with the Power immediately lifting out of the bottom-four to a preliminary final in 2014.

A grand final place has eluded Port during Hinkley’s tenure but the club has remained in contention and not bottomed out.

“I said it a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve said it many times before, I care deeply for this playing group and football club,” Hinkley said.

“Not for one moment do I take coaching this great football club for granted.”

Port assistant coach Josh Carr has knocked back going through the process to find Richmond’s successor for Damien Hardwick, leading to speculation he could one day to replace Hinkley in the top job at the Power.