Chad Cornes Departs Port Adelaide in Major Shift Under Coach Josh Carr

Chad Cornes, a revered figure in Port Adelaide Football Club's history, is set to part ways with the team at the conclusion of the current season, marking a significant transition under new head coach Josh Carr. This decision follows Cornes' extensive tenure of over two decades, both as a player and an assistant coach, with the club announcing that his contract will not be renewed after the season ends.

Cornes' departure was first reported by Mitch Cleary, chief AFL reporter at 7NEWS, highlighting the first major decision made by Carr, who will officially take over coaching duties after the current season. Cornes, who has been associated with Port Adelaide since being drafted in 1997, played a total of 239 games for the club and contributed an additional 16 games with the Greater Western Sydney Giants. He was part of the team that claimed the premiership in 2004 and is a two-time All-Australian.

Chris Davies, the General Manager of Football at Port Adelaide, acknowledged Cornes' significant contributions to the club over the years. "Chad has been an outstanding servant of our club as a premiership player, as a coach within our program since returning at the end of 2015, and of course as a member of our Hall of Fame," Davies stated. The decision to inform Cornes early was made to provide him ample time to contemplate his future, reflecting the respect the club holds for his contributions.

This change comes at a challenging time for Port Adelaide, which has struggled this season, effectively ending their chances of qualifying for the finals. Coach Ken Hinkley, who has been at the helm since 2013, faces an uphill battle with only seven matches left in his coaching tenure, having led the team to 172 victories out of 290 matches.

Hinkley expressed optimism for the remainder of the season, stating, "With a smile and with a bit of opportunity and freedom, we will encourage our players to enjoy playing footy and make sure I’m there leading the way for them." However, the team is currently grappling with injuries to key players, including Sam Powell-Pepper, Esava Ratugolea, and Dante Visentini, further complicating their performance outlook.

In addition to Cornes' departure, the club is facing a notable reshuffle as they prepare for a new chapter under Carr's guidance. The impact of these changes will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as the club aims to rebuild and refocus in the coming seasons. Carr will need to address not only the on-field performance but also the culture and legacy left behind by Cornes and Hinkley.

Cornes’ exit signifies a larger transition within the AFL landscape, reflecting the pressures faced by clubs to continually evolve. As teams strive for excellence, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal for Port Adelaide's future trajectory. Fans are left contemplating the implications of these changes, both for individual players and the franchise as a whole. The next season will undoubtedly present new opportunities and challenges for the club as they seek to regain their competitive edge in the league.