Kane Cornes, a former Port Adelaide player, believes the forthcoming coaching transition from Ken Hinkley to assistant Josh Carr will hinder the team’s chances for a premiership this season. Hinkley, who has been with the club since 2013, confirmed that the upcoming season will be his last before Carr takes over in 2026. Cornes expressed skepticism about the team’s premiership hopes, stating that significant coaching changes at this stage typically indicate a lack of confidence in immediate success.
Despite speculating about why the club opted for Carr over other potential candidates such as John Longmire or Adam Simpson, Cornes acknowledged Hinkley’s strong record, including several finals appearances and a high winning percentage. Hinkley, supportive of the transition, remarked that it would not detract from the team’s performance, insisting that a clear succession plan promotes stability.
Port Adelaide’s chairman, David Koch, affirmed the decision to prioritise in-house leadership with Carr, who will begin overseeing recruitment strategies this season while still supporting Hinkley. As Hinkley prepares to step down, he emphasised the importance of laying a solid foundation for Carr’s future leadership, asserting that he remains dedicated to leading the team towards a successful final season.