Power coach Hinkley dismisses West Coast speculation

A media report this week suggested the Eagles have made Hinkley one of their main targets to fill the hole left by Adam Simpson's departure this month.

But Hinkley, who is contracted at Alberton until the end of 2025, insists he is solely focused on the task at hand.

"We've got a big job. We've got five games left in our season and hopefully more to play," Hinkley said on Thursday.

"It's really clear about one thing: I am coaching Port Adelaide and I love coaching Port Adelaide and I have a contract to continue to coach Port Adelaide."

Now in his 12th season at Port, Hinkley has often been the subject of speculation about moves to roles at other clubs.

The 57-year-old, who has coached more games (266) than anyone else in AFL/VFL history without reaching a grand final, has also been under an intense spotlight around his position at the Power.

But he isn't frustrated by the constant noise.

"Not at all because I'm so used to it. Everyone is so used to it in the competition," Hinkley said.

"There has to be a story and there has to be someone that they talk about.

"I get it. There's a lot of other people that's been mentioned.

"Unfortunately I get mentioned lots of times on different things."

West Coast have already had club legend and highly rated Sydney assistant Dean Cox rule himself out of the running to replace Simpson.

Hinkley's assistant Josh Carr also distanced himself from the job, while interim Eagles coach Jarrad Schofield is among the candidates to take on the full-time role.

Ash Hansen, Jaymie Graham, Nathan Buckley, Brett Montgomery, Daniel Giansiracusa, Scott Burns and Andrew McQualter are among the many others who could also be in the reckoning.

Meanwhile, Hinkley leads seventh-placed Port (11-7) into battle with Carlton (12-6) at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Then, in a difficult run home, the Power face three fellow finals contenders and a derby against Adelaide.

"It's really simple, I've got a clear thing that I have to do and that is give the team the best chance and our coaching group the best chance to make sure we maximise this season," Hinkley said.

"We're in a really strong position right now. If we can make the next five weeks count it gives ourselves a great chance.

"Some of the stories might change quickly."

Australian Associated Press