Ken Hinkley insists he’s comfortable with Port Adelaide assistant coach Michael Voss interviewing for the vacant senior role at Carlton during the AFL season, despite the protests of outspoken club president David Koch.
Voss, who has previously served as Brisbane’s senior coach, is viewed as a leading contender to take over at the Blues next season.
The 44-year-old met with Carlton officials during the week, prompting a public rebuke from Koch ahead of Saturday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
“People go for better jobs. That’s great, but do it at the end of the season,” Koch said in his role as host of the Seven Network’s Sunrise program.
“Focus on the job at hand. We’re paying you at the moment. Do your job. Show your interest (in other jobs), but hey, get focused.”
While Koch appeared to be speaking lightheartedly, the poaching of assistant coaches in-season has long been a frustrating reality for AFL clubs.
St Kilda and North Melbourne are also hunting for new permanent replacements for Alan Richardson and Brad Scott respectively.
Hinkley, who interviewed for senior coaching roles at several clubs before winning the top job at Port, said Voss had his full support.
“Every person that works for us is totally focused on their job at Port Adelaide,” he told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“Those things go on consistently throughout the industry. We all get that, we all understand that.
“Is there a better way to do it? I’m not sure just yet we have got that better way.
“The industry finds it difficult and challenging to do things any differently than it currently does. I’ve been a part of that … I understand that.”
Hinkley’s more immediate concern is a clash with the in-form Tigers that could shape his side’s finals chances.
Last week’s dire 48-point loss to Brisbane left the Power ninth on the ladder, four points behind eighth-placed Essendon.
While their best has impressed, Port’s inability to string together consecutive wins since early in the season has earned them a reputation for flakiness and co-captain Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert and Ryan Burton are significant outs.
Dan Houston, Xavier Duursma and Matthew Broadbent are their replacements.
“As good as the good is, the disappointment of the bad is one we live with,” Hinkley said.
“That’s why it’s so important for us to give ourselves the best opportunity tomorrow, to play the game we need to play.
“We need to get back to the opportunity to represent ourselves well consistently, not inconsistently.”