Sportsday Ken's Checklist for Steven King ahead of his first game (11.03.26)
Mar 11, 2026
A five-point checklist for a coach’s first big match is unpacked in short, punchy advice. Topics include enjoying the big day, building confidence with an adventurous game style, tuning out external noise, trusting assistants instead of micromanaging, and prioritizing coaching over off-field demands. Practical notes on protecting leaders from burnout round out the chat.
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Enjoy Your First Game In Charge
- Enjoy round one and the unique buzz of your first game in charge as a coach.
- Ken Hinkley recalls his own Round 1 excitement 297 games ago and warns enjoyment matters more than an early result.
Create Confidence With A Clear Game Style
- Create confidence in the playing group by implementing a clear game style and letting players buy into it.
- Ken says King has already shown Geelong-like freedom and must back that style to build belief in the group.
Don't Tune Into The Experts After Wins
- Avoid tuning into pundits and external praise, especially after wins, to prevent distraction and ego-driven changes.
- Ken warns validation is tempting and urges Stephen King not to let media noise alter his approach.