Port Adelaide has confirmed its coaching panel for 2024 which will see Tyson Goldsack promoted as assistant coach to the AFL coaching panel, Hamish Hartlett appointed as the club’s SANFL senior coach and Jason Williams appointed as development coach, incorporating the Next Generation Academy program.
Goldsack, who coached Port Adelaide to a finals berth in the SANFL this season, has been appointed as the club’s defensive line coach.
He replaces Nathan Bassett who departed the club last month.
“I’m extremely excited by the opportunity to be the defensive line coach within this program,” Goldsack said.
“I’ve transitioned from development coach to leading my own team in the SANFL last year and I feel well equipped to look after the defensive group.
“We are building a strong defensive group with the experience of Aliir Aliir, Trent McKenzie and Tom Clurey along with the recent additions of Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher to complement our group of young defenders.
“I can’t wait to get working with Ken, Chad, Josh and our other coaches across pre-season.”
Hartlett becomes the 42nd coach of the club in state level football after working most recently as a development coach within Port Adelaide’s AFL program.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity to coach the SANFL program,” Hartlett said.
“It’s a big challenge but I look forward to building on the great work put in place by Goldy (Tyson Goldsack) this year.
“It’s a privilege to coach this club at any level and the honour is not lost on me.”
A proud Noongar man from Narrogin, Western Australia, Williams will replace Hartlett as a development coach.
Williams, who is passionate about mentoring and developing people, has served as Head Coach of the AFL’s Indigenous Talent Programs, as well as the Bacchus Marsh Football Club in 2023. Prior to that he worked as an assistant coach at the Northern Bullants in the VFL and the Calder Cannons in the Victorian U/18 league.
“I’m passionate about helping young footballers grow and maximise their potential,” Williams said.
“Having spent part of this past season with Port Adelaide observing and shadowing their coaching group, I could not be more excited by this opportunity.”
Port Adelaide GM – Football Chris Davies is excited by the club’s coaching panel for 2024.
“We have a great balance of experience and new energy within our coaching structure for 2024,” Davies said.
“Josh and Chad will continue in their respective midfield and forward line coaching roles in 2024. Josh has done an outstanding job with our young midfield group and Chad has been instrumental in the development of many of our young players, including Ollie Lord in 2023.
“After a strong coaching performance leading the SANFL program, Tyson Goldsack is well positioned to transition in to our senior AFL coaching panel. He has great connection with our playing group and will bring a sense of energy and new thinking to our group.
“Equally, we’re very excited to promote Hamish within our program to senior coach of the Magpies. We believe Hamish has the attributes to be a very successful coach and we look forward to him leading the SANFL team in 2024.
“From a development coaching perspective, we’re thrilled to add Jason Williams to our group. Jason has a strong football resume mentoring and coaching both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal athletes and we think he’ll add great value to our program.”
Port Adelaide football coaching structure
Senior Coach: Ken Hinkley
Forwards coach: Chad Cornes
Midfield coach: Josh Carr
Assistant midfield coach: Luke Kelly
Defensive coach: Tyson Goldsack
SANFL Senior Coach: Hamish Hartlett
Development coach: Jason Williams
