Port Adelaide Power coach Ken Hinkley has responded to the severe media storm following his team's shock 79-point drubbing to the Brisbane Lions last weekend.
The loss, witnessed by an infuriated home crowd and 2004 premiership heroes, intensified the already significant pressure on Hinkley, with a tirade of scrutiny coming his way.
The media frenzy was ignited by comments from former captain and current board member Warren Tredrea, who has been critical of Hinkley in the past.
Last year, Tredrea described Hinkley's coaching position as "untenable" before the Power embarked on a remarkable 13-game winning streak. The recent heavy defeat reopened old wounds and sparked fresh controversy.
Tredrea found himself in the spotlight after a talkback radio segment on Five AA, where he responded with "good call" to a listener who lambasted Hinkley, calling him a "conman" and urging his immediate removal.
Tredrea later clarified that his remark was not an endorsement of the caller's views but merely an acknowledgment of the call.
Not buying the backtrack, veteran journalist Caroline Wilson, in a heated exchange with Tredrea on the same station, accused him of failing to adequately defend Hinkley and contributing to a perception of division within the club.
Wilson challenged Tredrea during the conversation, questioning whether his own position on Port Adelaide board is "untenable" and expressing disbelief over his response to the caller.
Tredrea defended himself, insisting that his comments had been misunderstood and that the club was not divided. He maintained that his “good call” remark was taken out of context and reiterated his support for Hinkley both publicly and privately.
The exchange between Wilson and Tredrea has been one of the week's most talked-about topics, with opinions divided on whether Tredrea's words were appropriate. AFL 360 host Mark Robinson also weighed in, criticising Tredrea's comments as "incredibly stupid" and "incredibly silly" and suggesting they could be seen as "sinister."
Hinkley, speaking to the media on Friday, addressed the situation with a composed demeanour.
"It's fair and reasonable to talk around it, but the reality is it's not a one-man show, it's a team" Hinkley responded when asked about the media storm.
I'm okay with everything that's going on. If it was too fatiguing, I wouldn't be here.”
Regarding Tredrea, Hinkley said "I didn't hear Warren's comments."
"I've been made aware of it, as almost the whole world is. On face value, I take it Warren has clarified his position, and I'm okay with that.”
“I've been brought up a fighter,” the Power coach later said, signalling his determination to steer his club through yet another dark period.
This Sunday's away clash with St Kilda will speak volumes; on how hard the players want to fight for their coach, on how long Hinkley may have left as Port Adelaide coach, but more importantly, how the club are tracking in their hopes of a 2024 finals berth.
Another loss has some speculating a mid-season sacking, while a win can lift them as high as fifth on the ladder, pending other results.