Port Adelaide coach has staunchly denied recent rumours linking him to the vacant West Coast job, further stating his commitment to the Power.
Hinkley's name was surprisingly raised as a target for the Eagles earlier this week from Western Australian media in the wake of West Coast missing out on highly-regarded target Dean Cox.
Contracted until the end of next year, Hinkley responded to questions and the latest rumours over his future when speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday.
The long-serving Port Adelaide boss was quick to play down the credibility of the speculation, noting it's not the first time he has had to deal with assumed conjecture across his time at the helm of the Power.
"Surely I don't have to answer those questions," Hinkley responded.
"We've got a big job (to do). We've got five games in our season and hopefully more to play. One thing is really clear, I am coaching Port Adelaide and I love coaching Port Adelaide. I have a contract and will continue to coach Port Adelaide.
"No at all (is it frustrating to hear), because I'm so used to it. Everyone is so used to it in the competition. There has to be a story and there has to be someone [the media] talk about.
"There's a lot of other people that have been mentioned, unfortunately I get mentioned lots of times on different things."
Hinkley's right-hand man Josh Carr has also ruled himself out of the running for the West Coast role, expressing a desire to remain in South Australia.
Meanwhile, the Power are hoping to turn the narrative on their campaign over the coming weeks as they prepare for a crucial final five matches.
Currently sitting in seventh on the ladder, Port Adelaide could rise as high as second and fall as low as 11th by the cessation of Round 20 given how congested the top two-thirds of the ladder sits.
A meeting with Carlton at Marvel Stadium will kickstart their home stretch, which also includes matches against fellow contenders Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle and a Showdown against Adelaide in Round 23.
Hinkley said the external view on his side "might change quickly" if the Alberton club can amass a strong finish to its 2024 campaign.
"It's really simple for me," Hinkley said.
"I've got a clear thing that I have to do and that's give the team and our coaching group the best chance to make sure we maximise this season.
"We're in a really strong position right now if we can make the next five weeks count.
"It gives us a great chance, some of the stories might change quickly."
The Power won't have forward Todd Marshall back for the contest with the Blues, while calls on Kane Farrell (hamstring) and Lachie Jones (concussion) are yet to be disclosed.
