Hinkley frustrated by coaching succession plan questions

Ken Hinkley, the coach of Port Adelaide, expressed frustration during a press conference on Tuesday. He was questioned about the team's coaching succession plan, which will see assistant Josh Carr take over at the end of the current AFL season. Following a heavy 91-point loss to Collingwood, reporters asked Hinkley about the backlash and whether there were calls for Carr to take over sooner. The loss was the largest during Hinkley's time as coach, raising concerns among fans and commentators. Hinkley engaged in a tense exchange with a reporter who brought this up. When asked if there was confusion among players regarding the coaching plan, Hinkley insisted there was none. He stated that both he and Carr understand their roles and that the club is clear about the situation. He dismissed the idea that one loss warranted such concerns. Hinkley rejected other claims as well, including suggestions that he might ease his efforts since he was nearing the end of his coaching term. He defended his team’s performance, particularly in the match against Collingwood, where players faced a two-time All-Australian who had recently left the team. A reporter raised the issue of Port Adelaide's pattern of blowout losses, noting it was the third time in 13 games they had lost by over 13 goals. Hinkley challenged this perspective, highlighting the team's strong record over the past five years, suggesting that recent losses do not define their overall performance.