AFL Finals 2024: Ken Hinkley reveals what he said in heated post-match exchange

As Port Adelaide revelled in their heart-stopping three-point win over Hawthorn, Ken Hinkley couldn’t help but take a shot at Jack Ginnivan in a testy post-match exchange.

The Power came in as big underdogs against the high-flying Hawks but held on to win by three-points after James Sicily’s shot with a minute to go hit the post.

Sicily appeared to be involved in a war with words with Hinkley after the siren but the Power coach revealed it was a comment he made to Hawthorn forward Ginnivan that sparked the furore.

“I’ll be honest Jack said what he said through the week and I just told him after the game he wasn’t going anywhere,” he told Channel Seven’s Brian Taylor.

Ginnivan had turned heads earlier in the week after replying to an Instagram photo of Sydney’s Isaac Henney and Brodie Grundy saying “see you in 14 days.”

“I don’t know social media I just do what I do and I probably shouldn’t have done it and I should apologise to the boys,” Hinkley continued.

“But the reality was you throw something our way we’re going to throw something back occasionally.”

Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge and former Power and Hawk Shaun Burgoyne took a poor view of the incident.

“They played so well and it’s disappointing to be sitting here and discussing poor sportsmanship instead,” Hodge said.

“It’s no secret they would have used Ginnivan’s comments for motivation but there’s no need for that after the game.”

“Rozee and a few of the other boys were laughing which obviously isn’t a good look,” Burgoyne said.

“I think especially when they’re chairing off a champion in Luke Breust just to show a bit of respect.”

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said he wouldn’t be seeking out Hinkley over the comments.

“Absolutely not,” he said when asked by reporters.

“I can only speak on my club’s behalf and think about how my club dealt with the post-game.

“We had a very young player who has had some aggressive words said to him by a much older man who’s been in a game for a long time.

“The captain of my club stood up for him and I’m really proud of our captain who was able to stand up and lead despite the emotions.”

Hinkley later said he regretted the comments.