Port Adelaide chairman David Koch has declared that the word “rebuild” is officially off the table as the Power usher in a new era under the leadership of senior coach Josh Carr. Following a 13-year tenure under Ken Hinkley, which concluded without a finals appearance in 2025, the club is not widely tipped to be a major contender this season. However, Koch is adamant that with Carr at the helm and a revitalised playing list, September action is the clear objective.
“It’s always finals. We banned the word rebuild. Rebuild is an excuse for failure,” Koch stated on Channel 7. “Josh knows that we’re a club that always wants to contend for finals, like so many of the other great AFL clubs – we should be no different. That’s always the pass mark, but you’ve got to put the processes in place for success. But we’ve got to put in the behaviours and the processes each and every day at training and every game to achieve the dream and the pass mark to make finals.”
Honouring Club Legends and a Golden Era
The club’s recent season launch was also a significant occasion, marked by the induction of three distinguished figures into Port Adelaide’s Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated the enduring contributions of former captains Matthew Primus and Russell Johnston, acknowledging their profound impact on the club across both its SANFL and AFL history.
Matthew Primus, a stalwart in the teal and black, amassed 137 games for the Power. His commitment extended beyond playing, as he took the coaching reins for 47 matches between 2010 and 2012. Tragically, his chance to be part of the 2004 premiership triumph was thwarted by an ACL injury.
Russell Johnston, a respected figure from the club’s SANFL era, represented Port Adelaide on three occasions as a player. He also led the club with distinction as captain for five seasons, from 1986 to 1990.
In addition to individual accolades, Port Adelaide paid tribute to the extraordinary achievements of the 1988–1990 SANFL premiership teams. This dominant period is widely regarded as one of the most significant and successful chapters in the club’s rich history.
With these latest inductions, Port Adelaide’s Hall of Fame now proudly boasts a total of 52 esteemed individuals, complemented by six celebrated teams or groups, a testament to the club’s enduring legacy and the calibre of talent that has represented it.
A New Direction Under Josh Carr
The appointment of Josh Carr as senior coach signals a pivotal moment for Port Adelaide. Having served as an assistant coach under Hinkley, Carr possesses an intimate understanding of the club’s dynamics and its playing group. His promotion to the top job is seen by many as a natural progression, and his connection with the players is expected to foster a renewed sense of unity and purpose.
Koch’s emphatic stance against the “rebuild” narrative underscores a commitment to immediate success. This philosophy suggests a belief in the current playing list’s potential and a strategic approach that focuses on incremental improvements and consistent performance rather than a wholesale overhaul. The club’s strategy will likely involve leveraging existing talent, refining game plans, and fostering a competitive culture that prioritises winning every week.
The challenge for Carr and his coaching staff will be to translate this ambition into tangible results on the field. The AFL is a notoriously competitive landscape, and while Port Adelaide possesses a talented core, they will need to execute their strategies flawlessly and demonstrate resilience in the face of tough opposition.
The focus on “behaviours and processes” highlights a granular approach to performance enhancement. This means that every training session, every tactical discussion, and every game will be scrutinised for opportunities to improve. The club aims to build a sustainable model of success, where strong fundamentals and a consistent work ethic are the bedrock of their pursuit of finals football.
The club’s supporters will be eager to witness the impact of this new leadership and the tangible changes it brings. The elimination of the “rebuild” talk, while bold, sets a high bar. It signals a clear intent to compete and to challenge for the ultimate prize. The coming season will be a crucial test of whether Port Adelaide can indeed turn ambition into reality under Josh Carr’s guidance. The journey towards September action has officially begun, and the Power are determined to chart a course directly towards it, leaving no room for doubt or the language of starting over.
