Ken Hinkley apologises for post-match sledge aimed at Jack Ginnivan

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has apologised for his role in a fiery post-match exchange with Hawthorn captain James Sicily after a thrilling semi final clash between the two sides.

Just moments after Port booked its spot in next week’s preliminary final with an 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) win over the Hawks at the Adelaide Oval, Hinkley found himself almost face to face with Sicily as the Hawks prepared to chair off veteran forward Luke Breust after his 300th match.

Following the match, Hinkley revealed that the exchange had been a response to Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan’s midweek Instagram comment to ex-Collingwood teammate Brodie Grundy which insinuated the Hawks had already begun preparations to face Grundy’s Sydney side in next week’s preliminary final.

Hinkley said Port Adelaide found Ginnivan’s comments “a little bit disrespectful”.

“There was an incident after the game where I had some words with a Hawthorn player that I wish I hadn’t had in a moment that I shouldn’t have had,” he said.

“There was stuff said last week that I certainly didn’t enjoy, but I shouldn’t have let that moment get to me. What was done during the week was done, and I responded in an emotional state, which I shouldn’t have. I regret the comment. I should stay out of that comment, but I didn’t. It just goes to show that everyone can get better, and I’m still trying to get better.”

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was left visibly incensed at Hinkley’s comments and said he had no plans to speak to the veteran Port Adelaide coach about the incident.

“I can only speak to my club’s behalf. If I think about how my club, the Hawthorn Football Club, dealt with the post-game, we had a very young player who had some very aggressive words said to him by a much older man who’s been in the game for a long time, and the captain of my club stood up for him,” he said.

“I understand the emotions of this time of the year are really, really difficult, and I’m really proud of our captain, who would’ve been just as emotional, to stand up and lead in a way that he could be proud of.”

Hinkley was also slammed by Mitchell’s former Hawthorn premiership teammates Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge for his actions.

“I thought it was embarrassing, from my point of view,” Lewis told Fox Footy.

“Where he did it and how he did it, I understand Luke Breust was coming off and there was going to be a guard of honour recognising a champion of the game. I don’t think there was anything to be gained. If you wanted to have a little bit of play during the week, say it then. I don’t think you gain anything saying it after the game.”
“He’s a 60-year-old man, act your age,” Hodge added on Channel Seven.

“You don’t go and start stuff like that because then after all the football Port played — they were sensational tonight — we’re coming out talking about poor sports by saying stuff like that to a team that’s finished their season.”