Despite a testy few months towards the end of the 2017 season, David Koch says that his relationship with Ken Hinkley is as strong as ever.
The relationship between the Port Adelaide chairman and coach was thrown into the spotlight as rumours swirled of Hinkley’s possible interest in the then-vacant Gold Coast Suns coaching role, eventually filled by Stuart Dew.
While Hinkley was eventually re-signed by the Power for a further three years, comments made by Koch following the club’s heartbreaking extra time defeat to the West Coast Eagles in an elimination final last season ignited rumours of a possible rift between him and Hinkley.
Koch says this tense period was simply a challenge that all strong working relationships face.
“We’ve always had a strong relationship. We’re in a competitive job,” he told SEN’s Time On.
“While you work and get on well with your colleagues, there can be times when the relationship can be tested.
“I’m not going to sugar coat it and say Port Adelaide is like Disneyland, it’s not. There isn’t a magic castle there or a magic kingdom. We’re highly competitive, we’re tough on each other, we expect things from each other and we have robust conversations. I think that’s a really healthy relationship.
“One thing we are absolutely committed to is the success of the Port Adelaide football club and getting the best out of all of us and each other. I think that’s great.
“Ken and I have a terrific relationship and we always have, but like every relationship there can be tension. You challenge each other and that’s great. I want to be challenged.”
Port Adelaide open their 2018 campaign against Fremantle on Saturday March 24.
Listen to David Koch chatting with Sam McClure on Time On below: