exclusive

History as Ken Hinkley expected to be named Tasmania’s inaugural AFL coach

The Devils have almost locked in their man, with an official announcement expected soon.

Tom Morris
7NEWS Sport
The Tasmania Devils have extended their timeline by 10 weeks to appoint their first coach ahead of their scheduled AFL debut in 2028.

Tasmania will confirm its next coach as early as Monday with Ken Hinkley in the box seat to win the job.

Hinkley flew in to Hobart on Sunday morning and will formally present to the club later in the day. 

Though the board is yet ratify the decision, there is little doubt Hinkley is the odds on favourite to be appointed. 

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Hinkley was spotted arriving with senior Devils staffer Kathryn McCann after boarding a Virgin flight from Melbourne to Hobart on Sunday morning. 

Ken Hinkley was spotted at the airport in Tasmania.
Ken Hinkley was spotted at the airport in Tasmania. Credit: 7NEWS

It’s understood the club is planning to announce the legacy appointment of its first men’s coach early in the week, likely on Monday. 

John Longmire and Nathan Buckley have also been in the mix for the job. 

The Game NRL 2026

Originally published on 7NEWS Sport

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 17-07-2026

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 17 July 202617 July 2026

SAS veteran's explosive memoir claims former Defence chief ‘ruined lives’ with rumour-fuelled war crimes campaign.