Wireu

Essendon Breaks Drought, Hinkley Set to Coach Devils

· news

The Bombers’ Drought Breaker: A Turning Point in Australian Football?

The 12-game losing streak that had become a millstone around Essendon’s neck has finally been broken, with the team defeating the GWS Giants. This major upset win was a sweet victory for the Dons and their fans.

Young players such as Zach Merrett, who led the way with 35 disposals and three clearances, caught the eye in Sunday’s game. However, it was the emergence of Dyson Sharp, Jacob Farrow, Sullivan Robey, and Nick Bryan that really stood out. These youngsters are the future of Australian football.

The announcement that Ken Hinkley is set to be unveiled as the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The Tasmanian football scene has been crying out for a boost, and Hinkley’s arrival could be just what they need. But this raises questions about the impact on established clubs.

Will we see a new wave of inter-state rivalries emerge as Tasmania looks to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with? The appointment of Hinkley also raises questions about the futures of veteran coaches like John Longmire and Nathan Buckley.

The Western Bulldogs’ win over Gold Coast and Hawthorn’s thrashing of Richmond also caught attention on Sunday. The Dogs are starting to show signs of a team coming together, while Hawthorn’s performance was a stark reminder of their potential when they’re firing on all cylinders.

As the season continues, several teams will be looking to build momentum from key wins. Can Essendon continue to ride the wave of their drought-breaking win? Will Tasmania make an immediate impact under Hinkley’s leadership?

The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the fortunes of these teams and others. The answer, as always, lies on the field.

Australian football is on the cusp of an exciting new era, with several factors contributing to a changing landscape. One thing’s for sure – the future holds much promise for Australian football fans.

The Tasmanian football scene has been crying out for a boost, and Hinkley’s arrival could be just what they need. However, this raises questions about the impact on established clubs. Will we see a new wave of inter-state rivalries emerge as Tasmania looks to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with?

The appointment of Hinkley also raises questions about the futures of veteran coaches like John Longmire and Nathan Buckley. Were they considered for the Tasmanian role, and what does this say about their prospects in the game? As these changes unfold, it’s essential that we remember the importance of supporting our local clubs and players.

The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the fortunes of these teams and others. Will Essendon continue to ride the wave of their drought-breaking win? Can Tasmania make an immediate impact under Hinkley’s leadership?

Australian football is on the cusp of an exciting new era, with several factors contributing to a changing landscape.

Reader Views

  • RJ
    Reporter J. Avery · staff reporter

    The appointment of Ken Hinkley as Tasmania's inaugural coach is a bold move that will undoubtedly bring excitement to the Tasmanian football scene. However, it's worth noting that integrating established clubs into a new competition model can be a recipe for disaster if not executed carefully. Will Hinkley's experience at Port Adelaide translate seamlessly to Tasmania? The AFL needs to ensure that Tasmania doesn't become a feeder system for established teams, rather than a legitimate competitor in its own right.

  • CM
    Columnist M. Reid · opinion columnist

    The Hinkley appointment is a calculated risk for the Tasmania Devils, but one that could pay off if he can instill a winning culture in the team. However, it's worth noting that Hinkley's coaching style has been criticized for being too focused on possession football, which may not be well-suited to the more free-flowing Tasmanian league. If he tries to impose his brand of footy on the Devils, it could lead to a period of adjustment and potential struggles on the field.

  • CS
    Correspondent S. Tan · field correspondent

    The appointment of Ken Hinkley as coach of the Tasmania Devils is a bold move that could either be a stroke of genius or a recipe for disaster. While Hinkley's experience and success with Port Adelaide are undeniably impressive, he'll need to adapt his coaching style to suit the unique challenges and dynamics of the Tasmanian football scene. One area that bears watching is how Hinkley will balance his own leadership style with the existing grassroots structure in Tasmania, which has traditionally been more community-driven than club-focused. This could be a critical factor in determining whether Hinkley's appointment is a game-changer or a culture-shocker for the Devils and Tasmanian football as a whole.

Related articles

More from Wireu

View as Web Story →