The appointment of Ken Hinkley as the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils is a significant moment for the AFL's newest club. It marks the culmination of a year-long search for a senior coach, and the decision to sign Hinkley was ratified by the board following a presentation to the coaching selection panel. Personally, I think this appointment is a strategic move by the Devils, as Hinkley's experience and track record make him a strong choice for the role. What makes this particularly fascinating is the challenge of uniting Tasmania behind the Devils, whose popularity is strong but has been tarnished by debate over the construction of the Macquarie Point Stadium. In my opinion, Hinkley's ability to act as the club's public face and spokesperson will be crucial in galvanizing the state's three regions behind the team. One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Hinkley's coaching record at Port Adelaide and the expectations for the Devils. Across 12 seasons at Port Adelaide, Hinkley won 59.6% of his matches, but his record in finals was just 40%. What many people don't realize is that Hinkley has never coached a team to a grand final, which raises a deeper question about his ability to lead the Devils to success. If you take a step back and think about it, the Devils are a new club with a strong desire to build a winning culture, and Hinkley's appointment is a clear signal that the club is committed to this goal. However, the task of uniting Tasmania behind the Devils will be a significant challenge, and Hinkley will need to demonstrate his leadership and communication skills to overcome this obstacle. From my perspective, the appointment of Hinkley is a strategic move by the Devils, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to deliver the results that the club is hoping for. What this really suggests is that the Devils are taking a calculated risk, and it will be interesting to see how Hinkley navigates the challenges of coaching a new club in a new state.
