AFL issues Ken Hinkley please explain over fiery post-match Jack Ginnivan exchange
Updated . First published
The AFL will reportedly issue a please explain to Ken Hinkley over his spray at Jack Ginnivan in Port's three-point win over the Hawks on Friday night.
After the final siren, the Port Adelaide coach reportedly called out to Ginnivan, "you won't be flying to Sydney, Jack", although cameras show the exchange was far more than one sentence. Hawks skipper James Sicily was also involved.
On Saturday morning, SEN's Sam Edmund reported the AFL would "ask a couple of questions" of the club.
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It follows Ginnivan's earlier social media antics, where he commented on Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy's post after Sydney's six-point win to lock in a preliminary final at the SCG.
Ken Hinkley, coach of the Power, exchanges words with Hawthorn players. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Ginnivan stated, "see u in 14 days", hinting that his Hawks would certainly beat the Power and reach a preliminary final against the Swans.
Hinkley later admitted Port used the comment as motivation.
Sicily jumped in to defend Ginnivan and began shouting back at Hinkley on the Adelaide Oval, who then delivered the "you won't be flying" line.
And while Hinkley did apologise for his post-match words, he didn't back down in how his club took the comments.
Ken Hinkley, Senior Coach of the Power exchanges words with Hawthorn players. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"That's probably why it got to the point that it did. We as a footy club found it a little bit disrespectful," Hinkley said in his press conference.
"That's why it gets to where it gets.
"We as a footy club just didn't enjoy that comment. But that's OK. Everyone has their right to speak freely."
Hawks skipper James Sicily reflects after his side's loss to Port Adelaide. AFL Photos via Getty Images
But the old school coach, who has never reached a grand final in his time at the helm with the Power, was still remorseful for letting his emotions get the better of him.
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"It was an emotional game, a big result, and there was stuff said during last week that I certainly didn't enjoy, but I shouldn't have let that moment get to me.
"I've now made it known to them through this that I shouldn't have approached the moment that I did, but what was done during the week was done and I responded to it in an emotional state, which shouldn't be the case."
Young midfielder Jason Horne-Francis was helped off deep into the final term with what was feared to be a hamstring injury, but was later confirmed as just cramping
"Just a cramp. He'd run himself into the ground a bit. You use some extra energy when you play in a final, you've got to be mindful of that in your preparation," he said.
