Mark Bickley, the former captain of the Adelaide Crows, has labelled as “foolish” the notion that Ken Hinkley should step down as head coach of Port Adelaide, despite the club’s announced succession plan. He cautioned that such a move would be “inviting trouble.”
David King, a North Melbourne legend, called for an early conclusion to the succession arrangement involving Hinkley and Josh Carr on Sunday evening, following Port Adelaide’s staggering 91-point defeat to Collingwood at the MCG in the season opener.
“This is under intense scrutiny at the moment, and it’s certainly the hot topic. The idea of a long farewell doesn’t work—it has been tried and failed before,” King noted during Fox Footy’s First Crack.
“I understand Port Adelaide is trying to show respect to Ken Hinkley, but they’ve already decided he isn’t their future. So why not start the transition now?”
“It’s evident for all to see. I think Ken should proactively say, ‘I’ll relieve the pressure on the club. I understand what’s happening; this will only become a weekly discussion. I’m ready to step aside.’
“Compensate him, and let Josh Carr take the reins from now on—turn the page.”
Port Adelaide announced back in February that Hinkley would pass control to Carr, the midfield coach, after the completion of the 2025 season.
During his 12 completed seasons as head coach, Hinkley has taken the Power to the finals seven times, including four preliminary finals. However, his inability to lead the club to premiership success or even a grand final appearance has drawn considerable criticism.
Port Adelaide’s head coach, Ken Hinkley. AFL Photos via Getty Images
However, Bickley vehemently rejected King’s call for Hinkley to resign after just one match in 2025. Bickley, who led the Crows to premiership wins in 1997 and 1998, and later served as an assistant coach in Adelaide, stated, “There’s a chorus of voices saying, ‘It’s done, it’s not working, Ken, just step aside.’
“Have they considered the knock-on effects?”
He continued, “David King proposes, ‘Just compensate Ken and bid him farewell while Josh takes over.’ Let’s explore that idea and its repercussions.
“If you tell Ken, ‘Look mate, we’ve made a misstep, this isn’t working, here’s a year’s salary, farewell,’ what happens next? Who fills the midfield coaching role? Will Port simply continue the season with one coach short? That’s unsustainable.”
Port Adelaide’s coaching contingent includes not only Hinkley and Carr but also forwards coach Chad Cornes, defensive coach Tyson Goldsack, SANFL coach Hamish Hartlett, ruck coach Matthew Lobe, and development coaches Jason Williams and Cameron Sutcliffe.
“If we are to promote from within, perhaps Hamish Hartlett takes on the midfield coaching job,” Bickley noted.
“Now, Hartlett is stepping up, which means you’re short one development coach, leaving your young players at a disadvantage … Hartlett’s involvement takes him away from developing youth.”
“The midfield coach is arguably the most vital assistant role, and with Carr stepping in as a first-time head coach, he’s now burdened with guiding a rookie midfield coach as well.”
Malcolm Blight and Mark Bickley celebrate after winning the 1998 grand final. Getty
“This whole idea seems utterly nonsensical. Why put yourself in such a predicament when Ken has performed remarkably well in his role for a decade? Plus, Josh is already making significant contributions that often go unrecognised.
“It’s all too easy to say, ‘Just let him go’ without considering the potential consequences.
“Assistant coaches are stretched thinner than ever, and to think you can operate successfully with one less is a recipe for disaster.”
Port Adelaide is set to face Richmond this Saturday afternoon.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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