Port Adelaide’s Future Coach Josh Carr Stands Firm Amid Criticis
Port Adelaide’s incoming head coach, Josh Carr, remains unwavering in his confidence about his role under Ken Hinkley, despite mounting criticism following the team’s disastrous season opener. Carr is set to take over at the end of the season, which began on a sour note with a crushing 91-point defeat against Collingwood. The heavy loss—the worst in Hinkley’s 13-year tenure—has sparked debate over the club’s decision to preemptively announce its coaching succession plan last month. Some critics argue that the clarity of leadership has been compromised, but Carr insists that the decision was necessary to avoid even greater speculation.
Addressing the media on Friday, Carr defended the club’s choice to be transparent about its coaching transition. He pointed out that, had the plan remained undisclosed, the media narrative would likely have been just as intense. “No matter how you handle it, there’s always going to be noise,” he said. Having been in coaching for years, Carr is no stranger to external scrutiny and remains unbothered by outside opinions. He emphasized that the internal structure at Port Adelaide remains stable, and both he and Hinkley have a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities.
Despite the early setback, the team is now shifting its focus to their upcoming match against Richmond at Adelaide Oval. Carr stressed that their attention is firmly on delivering a strong on-field response. The Power made only one roster change, dropping Jeremy Finlayson and bringing in 18-year-old Christian Moraes for his AFL debut. Finlayson, who struggled defensively after being moved from his usual attacking position, was left out of the lineup, but Carr rejected claims that he was being scapegoated. Instead, he maintained that the team holds all players accountable for their performances.
Hinkley, meanwhile, has taken the heavy loss in stride. Carr assured that no morale boost was necessary for the seasoned head coach, who has weathered many challenges throughout his career. “Ken is experienced. He’s been through this before, and he knows what comes with the job,” Carr remarked. The team remains committed to bouncing back rather than dwelling on criticism.
As Richmond prepares to bring momentum from their season-opening victory against Carlton, Port Adelaide faces a crucial test. With the coaching succession plan set in stone, Carr and the Power must now prove their resilience on the field. While critics continue to weigh in, Carr remains steadfast in his belief that the team is prepared for the challenges ahead.