Port Adelaide's off-season is moving very quickly, with yet another personnel change confirmed ahead of the end of the 2024 AFL season.
Assistant coach Luke Kelly was informed of the club's decision not to renew his expiring contract.
Kelly, who joined Port Adelaide in 2021 as a midfield development coach, has played a key role in shaping the club's young midfield talent.
He supported senior assistant Josh Carr in guiding the Power's engine room over the past few seasons, helping develop several emerging stars.
Before his tenure at Port Adelaide, Kelly brought with him a wealth of experience, having spent time at both the Western Bulldogs and GWS GIANTS.
He started his career as a performance analyst with the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2016, where he gained a deep understanding of the game from a data-driven perspective.
This experience led him to the GIANTS in 2016, where he progressed from senior performance analyst to defensive coordinator by 2018.
In 2019, Kelly transitioned fully into coaching with GWS, becoming an assistant coach in the development space.
His tactical insight and player management were well-regarded during his time in Sydney, and his contributions were recognised when he was awarded the prestigious Phil Walsh Memorial Scholarship in 2020.
Assistant coach Luke Kelly will depart the club after being advised his contract will not be renewed for 2025.
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) September 26, 2024
Club list boss Chris Davies thanked the outgoing coach for his contribution to Port Adelaide.
โLuke has worked tirelessly for our club across the last three seasons,โ Davies said.
โHe has had a large role to play with our stoppage work, whilst also coordinating our training and education program.
โThe off-season inevitably leads to change, and with Luke out of contract at the end of 2024, we've decided to freshen up this aspect of what we do.
โWe are grateful to Luke for his contribution to our program and wish him and his family well for whatever comes next.โ
In other news surrounding Port Adelaide, formerย assistant coach Nathan Bassett is reportedly set to join Melbourne's coaching ranks under head coach Simon Goodwin.
According to SEN SA's David Wildy, Bassett is expected to reunite with his former Adelaide Crows teammate at the Demons.
Bassett, who departed Port Adelaide at the end of 2023 after a long stint, has a strong coaching resume, including winning two SANFL premierships with Norwood and serving as an assistant at Essendon.
While the move is yet to be confirmed, sources suggest Bassett is likely to fill a coaching vacancy created by Andrew McQualter's potential move to West Coast.
Port Adelaide have also announced that Chief Medical Offucer, Mark Fisher, will vacate his position to work in a lesser role behind incoming chief, Dr Jaeger Wylie.
โMark is one of the most respected and trusted practitioners in Australian sport and we have been extremely fortunate to have had him working with our club for so long,โ club GM Chris Davies said.
โWe can't thank him enough for his dedication to our players and staff across the years. Importantly he will continue to support our AFL program albeit in a reduced capacity.โ
Doctor Mark Fisher will step down as the clubโs Chief Medical Officer after 15 years in the role, however will continue to work with the club as its second doctor โคต๏ธ
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) September 26, 2024
