Port Adelaide have flagged that further football department changes are likely on the way following the decision not to renew assistant coach Chad Cornes' contract.
The Power confirmed last week that Cornes would depart the club at the cessation of the current season after a decade in coaching roles at Alberton - an off-field stint that added to his 239 games across 14 years as a player for the Power.
The decision to relieve Cornes of his duties is the first move made by incoming coach Josh Carr, who will begin to put his team together ahead of his maiden season at the helm in 2026 after replacing Ken Hinkley.
Cornes' departure opens up a void for a new forwards coach, while Carr will step up from his role with the midfielders, meaning at least two spots are up for grabs.
Port Adelaide could make further changes in the coming weeks and months as the club inches closer to Car's first day as senior coach.
Power football boss Chris Davies confirmed the club will likely look into improving the football department where it can over the off-season, with the call on Cornes' future a "delicate" one that was done in a "respectful way".
"I think there'll be more change in the department. Whether it's to people you know the name of or not will be a different question," Davies said.
"We had the chat with Chad to make sure he was clear on what 2026 needed to look like for him.
"That was largely based on the fact that Chad has been such a fantastic person for our footy club. Not just as a coach but obviously as a player as well. He's been really well supported throughout his coaching career by Ken, and he has supported Ken really well.
"But when a new coach comes in, they get the perogative to be looking at what changes they need to make. We felt it was the most respectful way to deal with a delicate situation in letting him know."
AFL clubs are required to notify assistant coaches of their intentions for 2026 by the end of this month.
Davies flagged that the coming months are likely to see change across the competition as clubs look to make alterations to their current coaching cohorts.
"I've seen an email today (Tuesday) from the Coaches' Association, who are reminding clubs that August 1 is approaching," Davies added.
"I'm sure you'll see more movement around the competition from a football department staff standpoint."
Port Adelaide currently have former Collingwood backman Tyson Goldsack (defensive coach), former Power midfielder Hamish Hartlett (SANFL coach), ex-ruckman Matthew Lobbe (ruck coach/head of development), another former player in Cameron Sutcliffe (development coach) and Jason Williams (development coach) in their coaching team under Hinkley.
The Power have at least six games remaining in Hinkley's tenure, which commenced ahead of the 2013 season. Hinkley has guided Port Adelaide to seven finals series in his time as senior coach, winning the AFLCA Coach of the Year title twice.
