Ken Hinkley ‘may be just weeks away’ from departing Port Adelaide

The future of Ken Hinkley at Port Adelaide is becoming increasingly defined as the club struggles to maintain its position in the top eight.

It has already been established that this season will be Hinkley’s last in charge, with Josh Carr set to step in as the new head coach at its conclusion.

However, Hinkley’s departure could happen sooner than anticipated, as suggested by 9News reporter Tom Morris.

“Ken Hinkley is likely to resign from his position at Port Adelaide if he feels the club is no longer in contention,” he stated during Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Both Port and Ken share a mutual understanding regarding his situation; they are quite realistic about what lies ahead. The club has no intention of dismissing Hinkley in the middle of the season.”

“They’ll allow Ken to make that decision if and when the situation arises. Should that occur, it will be handled with respect and in the correct manner. We are not at that point yet, but it could be just weeks away.”

As it stands, Port Adelaide finds itself in 15th place on the ladder, two victories adrift of the top eight.

Former Adelaide Crows player Rory Sloane expressed his concerns regarding the team’s performance.

“What worries me more is how the players are finishing their games. Their performances in the second halves have been downright poor,” he remarked.

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Sloane questioned James Hird about whether the players might feel liberated if the pressure was lifted.

Hird responded, “I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t be performing at their best level regardless.”

“There might be a slight improvement if Ken steps down and Carr takes over,” he acknowledged.

“However, my concern for Carr is whether this is the right time for such a transition. Right now, he has support while Ken is in charge… if he takes over and the team underperforms, he’ll have to face the backlash, as supporters will expect immediate results, which may not materialise.”