Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has rejected studies he has verbally agreed to a brand new contract with the AFL membership however has reaffirmed his intention to remain within the function.
Hinkley and Power president David Koch have been adamant all 12 months they’d not transfer on contract talks till August.
That time has now include Hinkley in a powerful place to increase his tenure past this season – his eleventh on the helm – regardless of a three-match shedding streak.
The Power (14-5) sit second on the ladder with 4 home-and-away rounds left to play and are proper within the premiership combine.
“We haven’t got any news,” Hinkley instructed reporters on Thursday.
“The club and myself will have those discussions and move in a direction whichever way they take us.
“From my private standpoint, all I do know is I’d love to stay at Port Adelaide.
“That’s my optimistic view … but those things will be discussed throughout August.”
Hinkley was steadfast when pressed on whether or not there’s a verbal settlement – reportedly over a brand new three-year deal – already in place between the events.
“You’ll be surprised to know that not all those rumours are true,” he mentioned.
As the contract state of affairs performs out behind the scenes, Hinkley faces a struggle to finish Port’s shedding skid earlier than the finals.
The Power tackle Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night time, with the ninth-placed Cats determined to remain in finals competition as their premiership defence teeters.
“We are feeling the pressure because we need to play well but not because our season is in any way, shape or form in jeopardy,” Hinkley mentioned.
“It’s about us needing to get back to our best.
“Our final sport, within the Showdown (in opposition to Adelaide), we have been overwhelmed actually badly and we have been actually dissatisfied with that efficiency.
“It’s not something we liked or enjoyed … but the week before that we played a super game of football.
“We’re not that far-off from that sort of kind, I do not suppose.”
Hinkley confirmed captain Tom Jonas will return to the Power line-up, with fellow key defender Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones in concussion protocols after their head conflict.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
