Port Adelaide's playing group has paid little attention to recent reports suggesting that coach Ken Hinkley could hand the keys over to assistant Josh Carr at the end of the coming season.

Speculation has continued to surround Hinkley's future at Alberton, with the long-serving mentor's contract set to expire. At the same time, Carr looks to take the next step in his blossoming career, with a potential handover in the works that could be announced this pre-season.

A handover would lead to a fascinating situation at Port Adelaide, with Hinkley set to enter his 13th season as coach of the Power in 2025 - which could see him have one final chance of securing an elusive premiership.

The playing group won't seek clarity on the coaching situation, with the club backing in their coach - no matter who is at the helm.

"Nothing got mentioned throughout the week, it was a bit of a surprise. We've got full faith in the coaches," Power onballer Jackson Mead said over the weekend.

"Ken is our coach He's really excited and optimistic about the year ahead.

"Our new gameplan is really exciting and we're just looking forward to the year and getting into games."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Ken Hinkley, Senior Coach of the Power looks on during the 2024 AFL Round 06 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Carr has continued to make his case as a senior coach in waiting, having earned interest from rival clubs only to remain loyal to Hinkley's cause.

The former Power and Fremantle midfielder has been pivotal in helping the club remain in contention over the couple of seasons since returning to South Australia, with Mead calling Carr "a great coach".ย 

"He's terrific for the mids. I think the last few years especially I've gotten to work with a bit more playing a bit more AFL," the 23-year-old said.ย 

"He's a great coach and great with the players as well. So whether one day he's an AFL coach or he's a midfield coach for life, but I think he's a great coach either way.

"His knowledge around stoppage and around the game plan, I think he's one of the best at what he does.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Ollie Wines of the Power talks to Josh Carr, Midfield Coach of the Power during the 2023 AFL Round 01 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on March 18, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

"He sets the mids up every week to study (the opposition) and even for personal strengths and weaknesses that people can improve on, he's really good at dissecting that."

Hinkley has recorded 165 wins from 274 games in charge, taking the Power to finals in seven seasons and amassing at least 10 wins in all 12 campaigns in charge.

The Power's 2025 campaign will get underway in Round 1 against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, March 15, which will follow a pair of pre-season games against Adelaide and St Kilda.