THERE was no need for Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas to worry about other suitors when re-signing Ken Hinkley – rival clubs must have known any attempt to lure him was futile.
Sitting next to Thomas at Alberton on Thursday after extending his contract until the end of 2018, Hinkley said his character and that of the club were intrinsically linked.
He couldn't imagine ever coaching at another club, which made Thomas' job of securing his future simple.
"I don't think anyone was seriously thinking that Ken was available in the very near future," Thomas said.
"People in footy understand that loyalty is important and Ken's a very loyal person, success is important and we're getting a little bit of that at the moment.
"We really just wanted to set a platform for the next four or five years.
"With this playing group and this coaching group that's probably where they're at; the next four or five years is the time it's going to take to probably maximize this group."
Since joining the Power from Gold Coast, where he spent three years as an assistant, Hinkley has quickly become one of the League's most popular coaches.
Fans respond to his 'straight shooter' approach and his honesty – a trait he rated as the most important in footy.
The players' response to his personality has been made clear in his first two years at the helm.
Like a sleeping giant, Port has picked itself up off the floor and now stands tall as a premiership favourite.
Hinkley had another two years remaining on his initial contract but both he and Thomas said the move to extend it further aided the club's pursuit for stability, which they believed was crucial for success.
"It's the secret you need for success. You have to have the right people and then you have to back them in, and I think our club's been able to do that," Hinkley said.
"There was no need to worry about losing me, I'm very happy, obviously, at Port Adelaide.
"It just feels like a part of what I am and what my family are.
"The suburban Port Adelaide suits the country Hinkley family."
Port Adelaide will launch its 2015 premiership campaign in Adelaide's CBD on Thursday night.
