AFL circles are buzzing with speculation as Ken Hinkley reportedly stands on the cusp of being named the inaugural head coach of the Tasmania Devils. This development unfolds amidst a dramatic Round 19, which saw Essendon's star forward Nate Caddy rushed to hospital and the Western Bulldogs secure a vital win against the Gold Coast Suns.

Hinkley's Path to Tasmania

Former Port Adelaide mentor Ken Hinkley is understood to be the leading candidate for the Tasmania Devils' top coaching job, with an official announcement potentially arriving as early as Monday. Hinkley reportedly flew to Hobart on Sunday to meet with Devils officials, intensifying speculation that he will guide the AFL's newest franchise into its 2028 debut season.

The 59-year-old's appointment would conclude an extensive search that also saw former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and ex-Sydney premiership coach John Longmire linked to the role. While Buckley is expected to remain an assistant at Geelong if overlooked, and Longmire continues to be a sought-after name, Hinkley is believed to be the preferred choice of the Devils' hierarchy.

Hinkley's impressive 13-season tenure at Port Adelaide, which concluded in 2025, saw him achieve a winning record of 58.6 percent from 297 games, including 174 victories. Despite famously not reaching a Grand Final – a record for most VFL/AFL games coached without a decider appearance – his consistent performance has made him a respected figure in the league. Reports linking former Essendon coach Brad Scott to a football boss role at the Devils have been dismissed by football director Alastair Lynch.

Caddy Hospitalised After Early Exit

In unsettling news from the Essendon versus GWS Giants clash at Docklands, Bombers forward Nate Caddy was taken to hospital after exiting the game in the first quarter due to an elevated heart rate. Essendon officials confirmed Caddy's immediate assessment, casting a shadow over what was otherwise an arm-wrestle of a match.

At half-time, Essendon held a narrow three-point lead over the Giants, 3.6 (24) to 2.9 (21). The Bombers dominated the clearance count, leading 23-6, with Zach Merrett (15 touches) and Sam Durham (14 touches, six clearances) among their best. GWS co-captains Finn Callaghan and Lachie Ash were the leading ball-winners for their side with 12 disposals each.

Bulldogs Edge Suns in Crucial Encounter

Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs secured a vital nine-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns, prevailing 11.11 (77) to 9.14 (68) in a hard-fought contest. Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was instrumental, kicking three goals, including a crucial major in the final quarter that helped seal the win.

The Bulldogs appeared to be cruising at one point in the final term, but a late surge from the Suns, sparked by quick goals from Mac Andrew and Dylan Patterson, ensured a nervy finish. Touk Miller delivered an outstanding performance for Gold Coast with 39 touches and nine clearances, while Bailey Williams led the Bulldogs with 29 disposals. Matt Kennedy also contributed significantly to the Bulldogs' scoreboard, adding three goals.

This result is a significant blow to the Suns' finals aspirations, leaving them 14th on the ladder, a full game behind St Kilda for the final wildcard spot and four games adrift of sixth-placed Melbourne. For the Bulldogs, the win keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-six finish, holding onto seventh spot with 44 points.

Coaching Searches Continue Elsewhere

The coaching carousel continues across the league, with Essendon also narrowing its search for a permanent successor to the recently departed Brad Scott. The role is believed to be a two-horse race between club legend James Hird and current interim coach Dean Solomon. Carlton is similarly on the hunt for a new senior coach after parting ways with Michael Voss earlier this year, with interim coach Josh Fraser now firmly in the mix after guiding the Blues to seven wins from nine games.