Ken Hinkley fined after Port Adelaide"s AFL win over Hawthorn

Following Port Adelaide's semi-final victory over Hawthorn, coach Ken Hinkley faced backlash for taunting Hawthorn players, particularly forward Jack Ginnivan. This incident occurred shortly after the match, during a guard of honour for Luke Breust, a milestone player for Hawthorn. Hinkley's comments provoked a heated exchange with Hawthorn captain James Sicily, who defended his teammate. The AFL responded by issuing a $20,000 fine to Port Adelaide for Hinkley's 'conduct unbecoming' of a senior coach. The AFL's general counsel, Stephen Meade, emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism among coaches and players, especially in high-stakes situations. Hinkley acknowledged that his emotions got the better of him and admitted that engaging with opposition players post-match was a mistake. He expressed regret during the post-game media conference, recognizing that he should have remained composed. Port Adelaide's chief executive, Matthew Richardson, defended Hinkley, highlighting his passion for the team and the emotional nature of the game. Meanwhile, Hawthorn's coach Sam Mitchell commended Sicily for standing up for Ginnivan, reinforcing the camaraderie within his team. Sicily himself stated that he had no regrets about the confrontation, indicating a strong sense of loyalty to his teammate. As the Power prepare to face Sydney in the upcoming preliminary final, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense emotions that can surface in competitive sports and the need for coaches to model appropriate behavior for players at all levels.