AFL
2 months ago
AFL legend rebukes Port Adelaide coach after "dreadful" post-match behaviour
By Jaiden Sciberras
AFL legend Dermott Brereton has expressed his distaste regarding Ken Hinkley’s post-match antics in Port Adelaide’s three-point win over Hawthorn.
Hinkley verbally berated Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan following comments made by the young Hawk early in the week, resulting in an altercation with Hawthorn skipper James Sicily.
Referencing Hinkley’s behaviour, Brereton believes acting in such a manner as a leader is unacceptable.
“Players do what players do,” Brereton told SEN Crunch Time.
“They are young, and they show their expressions in very different ways.
“A coach, once the final siren goes, until the next siren the next week, a coach needs to portray the demeanour that is beyond reproach.
“I think Ken’s a wonderful fellow, a fantastic guy, and it’s gracious and it’s great that he’s apologised and wishes he didn’t have that.
“But you cannot have a leader of 40 something men, saying these types of things, behaving like this, after the final siren.”
When asked how Hinkley should have reacted post-match, Brereton was firm on his belief that the coach should have avoided any form of interaction with the opposition players.
“He should say nothing,” Brereton continued.
“I thought it was dreadful. I thought it was absolutely dreadful.
“It showed a chink in his armour, and that’s what I questioned him about his inability to control his emotions after a game.
“Be a humble loser, be a gracious winner.
“I just thought it was dreadful and as I say, he is a fantastic bloke, you cannot lead 40 something men if you behave like this.
“Be gracious. That’s how you want your club to be portrayed.
“If I’m on the board I’m calling him Sunday.”
