Hinkley became the senior coach of the Port Adelaide Football Club in October last year and was lauded throughout the 2013 season for his work steering the third-youngest list in the competition.
He took the Power from fourteenth position and five wins at the end of 2012 to a semi final appearance and fifth overall this year.
The award is voted on by the AFL’s senior coaches, meaning Hinkley has earned the approval of his peers for his efforts throughout his first season as a senior coach.
Port Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas praised Hinkley for his achievement.
“Kenny has been outstanding for our football club and our players this year,” said Mr Thomas.
“Since coming to Port Adelaide at the end of 2012, Ken has been part of a football department that has worked hard to achieve success.
“Winning this award is a result of his leadership and hard work with a team that continues to raise the bar under his watch.
“It’s a credit to the success of everyone in our footy department.
“Ken has already started planning for our 2014 campaign and is driven to making our move to our new home ground at Adelaide Oval a winning one for Port Adelaide.
“I congratulate Ken on behalf of everyone involved at the club, as well as our members and supporters who have turned out to watch Ken and the boys perform week in, week out during the year.”
Hinkley told a packed John Cahill Medal awards night audience on Saturday of his enjoyment steering the club in the AFL in 2013.
"October the 8th seems not that long ago, but it's gone incredibly quick," Hinkley said.
"To be appointed the senior coach of the football club here, so far, has been an incredible experience for me.
"I get the opportunity to coach a traditional football club ... a club that perhaps I was born to coach.
"I fit this club... the culture of this football club, and that's one that expects to win and just doesn't give up.
"That's what I love about this club.
"I'm coaching an unbelievable team of young men."
Hinkley's Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year award comes after captain Travis Boak and 2013 John Cahill Medallist Chad Wingard were named in the 2013 All-Australian team.
