“A really fresh energy”: Young forward speaks on a changing Power dynamic

Port Adelaide youngster Jack Whitlock played the final four games of the 2025 season, and is determined to ensure this exposure to the top flight is sustained under a new coaching panel.

Josh Carr has officially been handed the reins from the departing Ken Hinkley, and has gone about assembling his supporting cast this offseason, with the changes headlined by the acquisition of Darren Reeves as forwards coach. Reeves arrives fresh from a stint at Glenelg, where he guided the Tigers to two SANFL premierships in three years, and has wasted little time in acquainting himself with his new charges.

Whitlock offered that a recent coffee with his new line coach has given him a clear focus for the year ahead.

"Speaking to 'Reeva', (he wants me to be) just a bit more versatile, coming up at the footy a lot more. When I'm marking out in front, that's what makes me a good player, (so a focus will be) backing in my strengths - my athleticism, my run, my marking and my mobility," he said.

The raft of changes at Alberton prompted the Murray Bushrangers product to liken his second pre-season to his first.

"It's pretty cool. For me, it feels like another first year. Meeting all the coaches and all the players for the first time this time last year, and then doing the same thing this year. There's a really fresh energy...it'll be good to build some more connections and get to know everyone."

Whitlock spent his time off at home in Shepparton, in country Victoria, with a trip to Anglesea on the Great Ocean Road, a highlight. However, as with most young key position players, building size was the main focus of his time away from the club, with six meals a day and 'living in the gym' characterising his October.

"Having a taste for AFL footy late (last year) definitely put me in good stead," the 19-year-old said.

"In the off-season, I've focused on putting on a bit more size, smashing out the gym, which I did, (I) feel really good with my strength at the moment, and then my running, I think, has been pretty good. (I'm) feeling pretty confident and comfortable now that I know what it takes."

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The prospect has taken a rather holistic approach to his development, with his human side just as much a focus as his athletic one.

"(My goals are) just to keep developing as a person on and off the field, and really contribute to the group, and try to play as much AFL footy as I can," Whitlock added.

"I definitely back myself in and believe that I can be in the main side. I just gotta keep getting better and put my name up for selection every week, and make it hard for them not to pick me if I'm playing good footy and have a great pre-season."

Veteran leadership shapes as a key piece of the progression from Ken Hinkley's tenure to Josh Carr's, and the number of experienced players that have returned for pre-season earlier than required bodes well for the season ahead.

"It was good (to see the 'old boys' come back early)," Whitlock said. "They definitely drive the standards and show what it takes to be at their level. I'm super grateful for them."

Carr, a member of the Power's inaugural and only AFL premiership side, took the earliest opportunity to ensure flag success is front of mind for his group.

"Carry's been calm and strategic. He's always got a lot on his mind. He thinks very well. He played a video this morning about the ruthlessness that it takes to be a premiership player. If we can carry that into pre-season, then we'll have a great year ahead.”