'We didn't get there': Ken Hinkley reflects on Port Adelaide tenure ahead of final game

An emotional Ken Hinkley has opened up about the pain of leaving Port Adelaide without achieving his ultimate dream.

After 13 years at the helm, Hinkley's tenure as coach is the longest in the club's AFL history, however he wasn't able to lead the side to a premiership.

Speaking to media ahead of his final game, the 58-year-old admitted it "stings" not to be able to lift a trophy with the Power.

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"Ultimately your result is to get to a grand final and win one, as harsh as that is we didn't get there," Hinkley said.

"It stings a lot, that's what you set out to do."

Hinkley took the job when it was a role no one wanted.

"People have said last man standing, I've heard those comments, maybe I was the right man standing," he said in 2012.

Hinkley heads into his final match having coached Port to 173 victories and 15 finals appearances – although nine of those resulted in losses, infuriating the Power faithful.

"I have some fans say a lot of things to me, I had one on the weekend walking down to the ground, he was pretty happy for me to leave," he said.

"That's okay, fans have got their opinions."

The demands of the role also took a toll on his family. 

"They've done it harder than me, I reckon … they have to show the support, which is unconditional, which is not always the case in footy," an emotional Hinkley said.

"Forever grateful."

Following Friday night's clash with the Suns, Hinkley will hand over the reins to successor Josh Carr.

"I just hope so much that he can get Port Adelaide where they want to go and I'm sure he's going to give it one hell of a shake," Hinkley said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.