Ken Hinkley’s 13-Year Reign at Power Concludes as Coaching Succession Plan is Finalised

Port Adelaide’s head coach Ken Hinkley will complete his final season in charge of the Power before passing on the baton for 2026.

The club announced this development on Wednesday, confirming that the forthcoming season will mark Hinkley’s last before senior midfield coach and 2004 premiership hero, Josh Carr, steps in as the new head coach.

Hinkley is the longest-serving coach in the history of Port Adelaide’s AFL, having taken the reins in 2013. His coaching tenure has seen the team compete in seven finals series, boasting an overall winning percentage of 60%, which ranks as the third highest of any club since he was appointed.

Carr is contracted until at least the conclusion of 2028 following an initial three-year agreement.

It has been reported that Carr will be in charge of the Power’s recruitment and list management efforts this season, but no other significant alterations to the coaching structure will take place ahead of the 2025 season.

Hinkley communicated his intention to resign from his role during the off-season, a decision stemming from months of speculation regarding his future with the club.

In 2023, Hinkley signed a two-year contract extension, which would have seen him remain until the end of 2025.

“When we reappointed Ken in 2023, we were also looking towards the future,” stated Port Adelaide chairman David Koch in an official club announcement.

“At that time, the club’s board tasked CEO Matthew Richardson, GM of football Chris Davies, and the football department with identifying a viable internal candidate for our next senior coach when the time arises. Successful organisations are always forward-thinking and committed to having the right people in place.”

Koch noted that this initiative is not only a strategic move for the future but also provides Hinkley with one final opportunity to secure a premiership.

“As he always does, Ken has prioritised the club by recognising that we have Josh Carr waiting in the wings, ready to step up as head coach in 2026,” Koch continued.

“Ken’s enthusiasm and energy remain intact, and he is determined to see the club succeed both now and in the years to come.

“Undoubtedly, Ken is our senior coach for this season. While Josh will take over as our senior coach in 2026, he is fully committed to supporting Ken throughout 2025 and will be ideally positioned to make the leap into the senior role at season’s end.

“Our club is fortunate to have Ken leading and coaching our squad this season, along with Josh Carr, one of the most in-demand assistant coaches in the AFL, ready for a seamless transition in 2026.”

Having endured considerable pressure last season, Hinkley believes this is the right moment to commit to a succession plan.

“I’ve had fruitful discussions with the club for quite some time about this being my final season at the helm,” Hinkley remarked.

“Together with our leadership group at the club, we are always mindful of future prospects, and as I have maintained for the past year, Josh Carr is undoubtedly the best individual to assume the role of senior coach at the opportune moment.

“I’m eager to lead this club throughout 2025. I feel revitalised and energised, and I am honoured to guide such a dedicated player and coaching staff.

“However, by season’s end, it will be time to pass the torch to Josh, who will have gained an additional year of experience as a senior assistant. He will be more than ready to take charge.”