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Operation get Butters? The theory of Hawthorn’s interest in Hinkley
Andrew Slevison • August 26th, 2025 12:05 pm
Kane Cornes has a theory on Hawthorn’s reported interest in Ken Hinkley.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported on Channel 7 on Monday night that Sam Mitchell is keen for departing Port Adelaide coach Hinkley to join his coaching staff at the Hawks for 2026.
Wilson also reported that Essendon is showing interest in Hinkley who has finished up at the Power after 13 seasons at the helm.
“Sam Mitchell has spoken to Ken Hinkley about a potential role at Hawthorn,” Wilson said on 7News.
“He would like to be challenged by someone like Ken Hinkley, and thinks there’s room for another voice in his football department - they wouldn’t be getting rid of anyone, just adding to what they’ve already got.
“Essendon didn’t want to comment but I’ve had it confirmed have spoken with Hinkley about a role with Brad Scott and his team at the Bombers.
“They’ve reached out unofficially but soon to be officially, and they won’t be the last.”
Cornes’ theory revolves around the Hawks and their apparent desire to lure Port star Zak Butters.
He believes that Hinkley’s presence at Hawthorn might act as a drawcard for Butters who becomes a restricted free agent at the end of next season.
“Caroline Wilson is reporting that Hawthorn have offered Ken Hinkley a coaching role under Sam Mitchell,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
“I personally think this is absolutely genius and I do think there is some strategy behind this, not in terms of a coaching advantage - which they will get with Ken’s intel of course - but from a recruiting point of view.
“Is this a play to get Zak Butters? That is the first thought I had.
“Ken Hinkley and Zak Butters probably have one of the closer coach-player relationships in the league.
“Have Hawthorn thought that our job of recruiting Zak Butters - be it at the end of this year or next year when he’s a restricted free agent - becomes a whole lot easier if there’s a familiar face in Ken Hinkley amongst the coaching group.”
SEN’s Tom Morris cannot see Butters walking out the door this trade period but admits there is potential for the 24-year-old vice-captain to depart Port next year.
Morris says the Hawks will be up against the Western Bulldogs and Geelong in the race for Butters.
“He’s contracted for next year and I don’t think Port would trade him,” Morris added.
“But as a free agent at the end of next year he’s every chance to go.
“Whether Hawthorn is in the best position to get him, I’m not sure, because I think the Western Bulldogs would love him as well.
“I think Geelong would love him, every club would love him, but those three clubs you’re looking at specifically.”
Butters produced a superb individual campaign in what was a tough season for the Power. He is likely to win a third straight John Cahill Medal and is firmly in the mix for a third successive All-Australian selection.
