Port Adelaide have made a significant call as the club prepares for life after Ken Hinkley, choosing not to renew the contract of club great Chad Cornes for 2025.
Cornes, a 239-game stalwart and Hall of Fame member, has been part of the Power’s coaching set-up since 2016 and currently oversees the forwards.
But with midfield coach Josh Carr set to take over as senior coach at season’s end, both his on-ball role and Cornes’s position will be vacant next year as the club undertakes a broader reshuffle.
‘Outstanding servant’ given early clarity on future
Port’s head of football Chris Davies said the decision was communicated to Cornes well ahead of the August 1 deadline to give him the best chance to consider his next move.
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“Chad has been an outstanding servant of our club as a premiership player, as a coach within our program since returning at the end of 2015, and of course as a member of our Hall of Fame,” Davies said.
“Given his tenure at the club, we wanted to provide Chad with clarity as early as possible so he has maximum time to consider his future.”
Cornes began his coaching career at GWS as a playing assistant before returning to Alberton to coach the Magpies in the SANFL. Over the years, he has held roles in development, defence and attack, becoming a central figure in Port’s football department.
The changes leave incoming coach Carr with key appointments to make as he shapes his team ahead of a new chapter for the club.