AFL fines Port Adelaide $20,000 after Ken Hinkley’s confrontation with Hawks following semifinal
In short:
Port Adelaide has been fined $20,000 after an altercation between coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn players.
The AFL cited the fine as a result of “conduct unbecoming.”
The sanction came following Hinkley’s heated interaction with Hawthorn players after Port Adelaide’s semifinal win on Friday night. The AFL stated that the penalty would not affect Port Adelaide’s soft cap.
“We recognize the intensity of the game, but Ken chose to confront opposing players post-match, which he has since admitted was a mistake,” said AFL general counsel Stephen Meade. “While Ken acknowledged his emotions took over, as a senior coach, his actions were below the league’s standards.”
Port Adelaide issued a statement on Sunday night, declaring the issue “closed.”
This fine mirrors the $20,000 penalty imposed on Greater Western Sydney’s Jason McCartney after his on-field clash with Swans player Tom Papley during the finals’ opening week.
Hinkley’s confrontation occurred after Port Adelaide’s narrow 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) victory at Adelaide Oval, where he taunted the Hawthorn players. Hawks captain James Sicily became involved in the exchange, which happened shortly after the final siren.
Hinkley later admitted his actions were fueled by a social media comment from Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan prior to the match.
Photo shows Ken Hinkley walking on Adelaide Oval after a Power win.
Sicily stood by his actions, explaining that he was defending teammate Jack Ginnivan. “I can’t remember the exact words, but Hinkley was talking to our players and said something to Ginni,” Sicily said on Saturday. “As a leader, I believe in always having my teammates’ backs, and I’ll stand up for them, no matter who’s right or wrong. It’s something I take pride in, and I don’t regret it at all.”
The Power are set to face the Swans in the preliminary final in Sydney on Friday night.
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