JOSH Carr will sit in Port Adelaide’s coaches box as its midfield assistant for the last time on Saturday, before departing to take the senior coaching position at North Adelaide in the SANFL.
Carr, 35, has been the Power’s midfield assistant since the end of 2011, working alongside senior midfield coaches Shaun Rehn, Phil Walsh and Michael Voss, and as part of the coaching panels of Matthew Primus and Ken Hinkley.
Before that he carved a reputation as a hard man for Port Adelaide, debuting in 2000 and playing 124 games over two stints at Alberton, reaping merits including a premiership medallion as part of the Power’s inaugural AFL premiership in 2004.
He later left to join brother Matthew at Fremantle, where he played 83 games.
North Adelaide’s board approved a three-year appointment for Carr on Thursday.
Carr told portadelaidefc.com.au that while the opportunity is one of excitement, he leaves Port Adelaide with many fond memories.
“It’s come about very quickly, but the chance to coach North was something I was really passionate about and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to coach a footy club in my own right,” Carr said.
“Port Adelaide will always have a special place in my heart, it’s the club that gave me my break in the AFL, and where I won a premiership - there are many fond memories I’ve had and it will be a sad moment on Saturday arvo.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a coach at Port as well, and have grown by working with many great people, especially the current coaching and playing group."
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The Port Adelaide connection to Prospect Oval is strong; with its former SANFL coach Ken McGregor the most recent occupant of the Roosters' senior role, and before him was former Power midfielder Josh Francou.
He joins a competition consisting of many Alberton affiliates in senior positions, including former Power assistant coaches Brad Gotch (South Adelaide) and Mark Mickan (West Adelaide), and ex-Magpie stalwart Matthew Lokan (Glenelg).
“It’s a good opportunity for Josh and the club understands his decision to join the Roosters,” said Port Adelaide's general manager of football, Chris Davies.
“Carry’s been a valued member, not only of the coaching group, but of the whole football club, given the contribution he’s made to Port Adelaide in three stints – twice as a player and as an assistant coach.
“We wish Josh, Karolina, Violet and Jude the very best with North Adelaide.”
Josh Carr originally joined Port Adelaide from East Fremantle via pick No. 7 in the 1998 NAB AFL Draft. His final game on the coaching panel will be on Saturday at the Adelaide Oval against his other former club in Fremantle.
Josh Carr career
Coaching Career
2016 North Adelaide Football Club, senior coach
2012 – present Port Adelaide Football Club, assistant (midfield) coach
Clubs: Port Adelaide (2000-2004, 2009-2010) 124 games; Fremantle (2005-2008) 83 games
Debut: Rd 8, 2000 v Melbourne (for Port Adelaide)
Brownlow Votes: 32
Achievements
AFL Premiership Player (2004)
Port Adelaide, Fos Williams Medal (2002, 2003)
Port Adelaide, 2nd place John Cahill Medal (2001)
Port Adelaide Best First Year Player (2000)
Port Adelaide Most Improved (2001)
