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Join our Fantasy SRP leagueAFL Sack race: Hinkley on coaching with a target on your back
Emily Benammar • February 12th, 2026 9:15 am
If anyone knows what it’s like to be an AFL coach under pressure, it’s Ken Hinkley.
He wrote the book on coaching with a target on your back.
Hinkley went into the 2023 season with no contract. Early in the year, speculation over whether he had a future with the club dominated the headlines; that was until his side went on a 13-game winning streak forcing the board’s hand.
He got his two year extension before Power went out of finals in straight sets.
That’s the business of coaching.
“We went 13-2 on the ladder,” Hinkley said on SEN Sportsday. “The pressure was big then. I had been at the club 10-11 years and we hadn’t been able to get where we wanted to go. They were probably looking for excuses to move me on.
“Then we won 13 in a row. I was riding the rollercoaster of emotions. It was a unique time for me, we had good runs, but 13 was a good number.
I think Kosh copped heat for that (his new contract), but that’s what Vossy will go through this year. Rolling through those emotions. Hopefully Carlton look after him.”
Now, after 13 years at the helm, Hinkley is on the outside looking in.
With Michael Voss out of contract at the end of this season and Justin Longmuir on a rolling deal, what are Hinkley’s thoughts on coaching under pressure?
“I was on the list every year, the coaching pressure gauge,” he said. “If wasn’t top two I felt I had let myself down.
“It’s not a healthy position to be in. Once the season starts you get into gear and do your job. You do it to your best.
“I’m human, I have a family, Voss and Longmuir are in similar situations. This time of year is tough, it’s harder. You can talk up a big game but in the background you’re really thinking ‘gee I have to get this right’.
“People say under pressure coaching is great for you. It’s not its not good for your mental or physical health.
“At times you have to make change, but someone is always under the microscope. It’s a bloody tough spot.”
When it comes to Voss, Hinkley knows him betterthan most.
The Carlton coach has been a man under pressure for years it seems and the speech he gave at the clubs end of season did nothing to erase that tag.
“As a leader, I fell short on what was required,” he said. “That has been a difficult reflection. I let you down, and that sits really uncomfortable with me. I am deeply grateful for the chance to continue leading this incredible place. But no expectation will ever exceed the responsibility I feel for our Club, our people and our families.”
So what did Hinkley make of Voss’ vulnerability?
“Michael is a really resilient tough guy, a leader by example and that’s how he coaches,” he said. “He plays a massive role in making sure the boys are feeling ok. He has enormous pride, he will give his best.
“If the Carlton team is anything like their coach they will find a bit of grit this year and give it a big whack. Michael will be at the front of the line telling them it’s time to go and get it done.
“He’s a legend of our game. He is a high-quality person and I hope for his sake it works out how he wants it to be this year.”
