A Port Adelaide legend is singing the praises of new senior coach Josh Carr, believing the former Docker and Power premiership player possesses the ideal mix of football nous and personal drive to steer the club into a successful future. Matthew Primus, recently inducted into the Port Adelaide Hall of Fame, has a unique perspective on Carr’s capabilities, having played alongside him in the early years of Carr’s career and later worked with him when Primus held the senior coaching reins at the Power.
This close association has provided Primus with a deep understanding of Carr’s coaching philosophy and his approach to the game. “He’s got a great passion for the football club,” Primus stated, reflecting on Carr’s commitment. “Knowing Josh, he’ll have a hard edge about how he coaches, but he also has a genuine passion for making people better. He’s not just about winning; he’s about developing individuals and the team as a whole.”
Primus anticipates that Carr will implement a clear and decisive game plan. “He’ll have a clear vision for how they want to play,” he explained. “He’ll be big on contest and defence; they’ll be the rockbed. He’ll be pretty big on the team stuff.” This emphasis on collective effort and fundamental strengths is something Primus witnessed firsthand during their time together.
“He’s as good a team player as I played with, and I’m sure that will shine through with his coaching,” Primus added. Carr’s reputation as a selfless and dedicated teammate is expected to translate into a coaching style that fosters strong bonds and a unified team spirit.
Communication is another area where Primus sees Carr excelling. “He’s a strong communicator. I think having a good coaching group underneath him will allow him to be really strong in that area because he certainly was as a player.” This suggests that Carr will leverage his support staff effectively to ensure clear messaging and consistent direction across the playing group.
Carr is at the helm of a significantly revamped coaching panel for the upcoming season. Joining him at the Power are Stuart Dew, Andy Collins, Darren Reeves, Luke Webster, Mitch Clisby, and Jacob Surjan, all bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the club. This influx of talent is expected to provide Carr with a robust support network, enabling him to focus on his strategic vision and leadership.
Carr’s own playing career was extensive and varied. Beyond his 190 appearances for Port Adelaide, he also played 83 games for Fremantle. His coaching journey has seen him serve as an assistant under both Primus and Ken Hinkley at Port Adelaide, as well as gaining valuable experience with North Adelaide and returning to the Dockers. This broad range of experiences has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of different club cultures and coaching methodologies.
“He’s got a great grounding to launch into his coaching and he knows the club inside-out,” Primus emphasised. “That’s why it’s exciting to see him at the club; he knows how it ticks but he also has experiences at other clubs he’ll be able to bring in.” This intimate knowledge of Port Adelaide, combined with his external coaching insights, positions Carr to make a significant impact.
The former Port Adelaide premiership player and coach concluded with a strong endorsement of Carr’s appointment. “I’m really excited by what Port could morph into in the next few years with him in charge.” The sentiment from a figure like Matthew Primus, deeply embedded in the club’s history and success, carries considerable weight and suggests a bright outlook for the Power under Josh Carr’s leadership. The club appears poised for a period of resurgence, driven by a coach who understands its past, its present, and its potential for the future.
