Tests have revealed that Hinkley is suffering a virus which will prevent him from flying to Hobart this weekend for Port Adelaide’s clash with North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.
Director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson will coach Port Adelaide in Hinkley’s absence.
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas says Hinkley will make a full recovery but the club would not take any risks with his health.
“Ken was admitted to hospital last night with chronic back pain and subsequent tests have revealed that he is suffering from a virus,” Thomas said.
“After consultation with our club doctor Damian Newberry it has been advised that Ken should not fly this weekend while he overcomes the effects of the virus. We expect Ken to make a full and speedy recovery. In fact, if our game was played in Adelaide this week he more than likely would have coached.”
Thomas says that Richardson is the logical interim coach for this weekend.
“We’ve often said Ken and Alan are very similar in the way they think about the game and in terms of their philosophies,” Thomas said.
“The club has total confidence that Alan can fill in for Ken this week and lead the team well. He has vast coaching experience in his own right and has worked closely with Ken here at Port Adelaide on game style and structures since day one of pre-season.
“Most importantly, Alan has the complete respect and confidence of the playing group and coaching staff and we are confident that his transition as senior coach for this week will be seamless.”
