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Updated July 20, 2026 \u2014 11:12am,first published 10:54am<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n The Tasmania Devils\u2019 inaugural AFL coach, Ken Hinkley<\/a>, has been formally unveiled by the AFL\u2019s 19th team on Monday after swooping in ahead of the early favourites to nab the job.<\/p>\n The announcement is the culmination of a 12-month search for the right candidate to unify the island state and build the start-up team ahead of their entry into the league in 2028.<\/p>\n In a statement on Monday morning, club chair Grant O\u2019Brien said the Devils had appointed Hinkley because he was the right fit.<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t set out to find the candidate with the single best win-loss record in this process, we set out to find the right coach for exactly what Tasmania needs right now,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n \u201cKen\u2019s ability to build relationships with young players, and to build an environment that people want to be part of is exceptional, it is the number one reason we believe he is the right fit for this club.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are building a list, a program and a club from the ground up, largely with young and developing talent.<\/p>\n \u201cThat demands a head coach who is, first and foremost, a brilliant teacher and a builder of people, and that is exactly what Ken is.\u201d<\/p>\n Hinkley said while the journey would have ups and downs, the opportunity to build the club and oversee the Devils\u2019 entry into the AFL was special.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to build something from the very beginning,\u201d Hinkley said.<\/p>\n Related Article \u201cThe responsibility to lead Tasmania\u2019s entry into the AFL is something very special, it excites me.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be many ups and downs, and challenges that lie ahead, including the build of our football department, but I have unique and directly relevant experience to take these on alongside the broader football club.<\/p>\n \u201cTasmania is a proud football state, and I can\u2019t wait to get to know the players, staff, partners and community who have, and will continue to be part of this from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n Former Collingwood champion and coach Nathan Buckley was initially fancied for the position, with the Swans\u2019 premiership coach John Longmire also a candidate.<\/p>\n However, Hinkley swept into Hobart on Sunday morning to present to the Devils board and by Sunday evening had beaten both Buckley and Longmire to the position.<\/p>\n The 59-year-old Hinkley coached the Power for 13 years and while he did not lead them to a flag they played in four preliminary finals on his watch.<\/p>\n The Tasmania job was one of three live coaching processes, with Carlton narrowing down the field<\/a> to replace Michael Voss and Essendon searching for Brad Scott\u2019s replacement.<\/a><\/p>\n Hinkley had publicly ruled himself out of the Essendon hunt after James Hird announced his interest in the role.<\/p>\n More to come<\/p>\n Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c3c00de06753959134f0fb96448d4d61bb183fec.jpeg\")
New Tasmania coach Ken Hinkley.AFL Photos<\/p>\n![\"Tasmanians](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c1b77e1f2a9ae248973b041a00bc759a91965115861f27425a13afec88e24d21.jpeg\")
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