Hinkley to stand down as Power coach at season’s end
Long-standing Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will hand over the reins to senior assistant Josh Carr at the end of the 2025 AFL season.
The Port Adelaide Football Club confirmed the succession plan on Wednesday, with Carr to take the reins from Hinkley, who is out of contract at season’s end, on a three-year deal from 2026.
“Ken has had open communications with the club over the pre-season and confirmed that 2025 would be his last season as senior coach of Port Adelaide,” chairman David Koch said.
“As is his way, Ken has put the club first in acknowledging we have a coach in waiting in Josh Carr who will be primed to lead the club in 2026.
“Without question, Ken is the senior coach for this season.”
Hinkley has been Port coach since 2013, leading the club to seven finals series across 12 seasons and playing a crucial role in their emergence from the AFL doldrums.
However, a premiership has proven elusive, with Port failing to go further than a preliminary final under his watch, though the club has consistently backed him when under pressure.
“I still have a burning desire to lead this club in 2025,” Hinkley said.
“I’m fresh and recharged and have the privilege of leading a very driven playing and coaching group.
Stay informed, daily
“But come the end of the season, it will be time to hand the baton to Josh, who would have experienced a further 12 months’ growth as a senior assistant. Without question, Josh will be ready to coach in his own right.”
Carr will continue as midfield coach this season before stepping up.
“Whilst it’s an honour to have been appointed Port Adelaide’s next senior coach, my focus right now is to support Ken, the other coaches and players as best I can as we strive for success this season,” he said.
Port Adelaide open their season away to Collingwood at the MCG on March 15.
