Speaking to the media at Alberton on Monday, Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee says the playing group has embraced a "natural energy and excitement" as it enters a new era under senior coach Josh Carr.
Rozee described the introduction of new coaches and ideas as "refreshing".
"(Ken) did so much for our football club, but it was probably the right time for Josh to take over," Rozee said.
With only the 1-4 year players required at training, there was a strong contingent of senior players present at Monday's training session.
"Our younger guys have been training really hard, and to see so many of our senior boys back out here when they don't have to be… I think it shows they clearly want to get better".
Having missed the finals only once since 2019 before last year's 13th-place finish, Rozee says the players are motivated to return to September action in 2026.
"It puts a fire in your belly to get back there as quickly as possible. I'm pretty sure we've got the list to do it".
In what is set to be an intriguing watch in 2026, Rozee was quizzed on Zak Butters as he enters the last year of his contract. Trade speculation was rife late in 2025; however, Butters will remain at Port Adelaide in 2026 as he prepares to become a free agent at the end of the season.
"Our job as a football club is to give him the best opportunity to win, the best environment around the club, and put the right people around him," Rozee said.
"Put the right people around him to make him want to be here. My job is to play good footy, be a good friend and give him a lot of reasons to stay.
"(Team performance) is important every year for most people, no matter who they are. He's obviously super competitive, so I'm sure if we win a lot of games this year, it might help a bit."
After retiring from AFL football in 2024, citing a lack of passion for the game, Jaidyn Stephenson has been offered the opportunity to train with the Power in the hope of being added to the list via the SSP. Rozee said Stephenson trained strongly on Monday.
"He's a great personality, and he's made it pretty clear he's willing to come in and work hard and earn the respect of everyone," the Power captain said.
"I'm not sure where that will end up in a few weeks with the list spot, but we've definitely got some options of those guys and Carry, and the coaching panel will make a decision in a few weeks."
The Power begin their season in Round 1 against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
