Ken’s Last Dance

Ken Hinkley in recent seasons has become recognised for his impulsive post match celebrations and dances, and after Port Adelaide football Clubs recent announcement season 2025 shapes as his last dance (at Port at least). The club has formally announced today what had become one of the worst kept secrets in football, that assistant coach Josh Carr would be taking over the reins as Ken’s successor. What had been less clear was the timeline and all parties should be grateful that the football committee and club board decided to set a finite date for the handover at the end of the 2025 season. 

So what now for this last dance? 

Some will feel that this is an unnecessary decision, made too soon, on a coach with an impressive 60% win-loss record. They will argue that it creates unnecessary instability as the club heads into a season where they will be once again expected to head deep into finals. 

Others will suggest that it is a decision that has come too late from a club that states it “exists to win premierships” after 13 years with the same coach and no flags to show for it. They will suggest that the best way to avoid this instability in 2025 would have been to make the change effective immediately and give Carr (who they suggest is a great coach in waiting) the chance to reshape the game plan and the club in his own image. 

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, what is undeniable is that this decision now gives all fans and members a chance to draw a line in the sand and get behind the club for 2025 and beyond. No longer do members critical of Ken’s lack of finals success have to worry whether minor round wins might be just a further extension of the ground hog day like seasons they have been experiencing. All should be excited about the prospect of Ken’s “last dance”. Given his finals record it might seem like a ‘hail mary’ for Port to win a flag in 2025. However no one can say how this “one more chance” might change the mindset of Ken and his players in his final year. Could it be just the stimulus Ken and his players need to go from content with top 4 finishes to ruthlessly chasing a flag?

All will also be excited about what Josh Carr can bring in 2026. He has a track record of achieving exactly what the Port faithful are craving. Big performances in big games (be it finals, grand finals or even famously showdowns) that they will hope he can now bring this to his AFL coaching resume as well. Talk is that Josh will bring a bit more old school Port Adelaide back to Alberton as well. A relentless pursuit of success, a recognition of the clubs history, an acknowledgement of the passion and knowledge of the members and a game plan focused on kicking goals rather than minimising damage. He will also have greater access (and perhaps a stronger desire to listen to) former successful Port Adelaide footballers who can help shape his approach and return the club to its status as Australia’s most successful football club. He has always been a fan favourite and this looks to continue.

Despite the media pundits searching for clicks suggestions, the club has not been torn apart by the indecision around Ken’s contract and Carr’s take over in recent years. However it cannot be denied that it did create some division both amongst the fan base, and between the fan base and the administration. Many will be pleased that this decision with a finite finalisation date allows the club to come back together and celebrate Ken’s final year (and soon Carr’s first year). Everyone will be able to enjoy the wins and team development as part of a journey towards the next AFL flag and as always all will expect to win the premiership. 

Let’s all enjoy this one last dance, who knows where it might take us!