Port Adelaide assistant Chad Cornes defends Power’s coaching succession plan after loss to Pies

After Port Adelaide’s capitulation, the pressure their succession plan turned up to 11. Power assistant Chad Cornes has hit back, saying there is no confusion at Alberton – only embarrassment.

Port Adelaide assistant coach Chad Cornes says the succession plan between Ken Hinkley and Josh Carr is “absolutely not” causing any confusion for players and coaches.

Cornes said the Power was “embarrassed” by its Round 1 belting by Collingwood, but was confident criticism around the succession plan would not distract the football program.

The Power suffered its largest Round 1 loss in 25 years, and the heaviest defeat of Hinkley’s reign at Alberton as Port were absolutely belted by the Magpies at the MCG on Saturday.

Cornes said the feedback from players and coaches had been frank.

“We had a good discussion then in the team review, obviously everyone is really disappointed. Embarrassed was the word a lot of the players brought up, coaches as well,” he said.

“Definitely not a performance that we are proud of and can accept.

“We definitely didn’t compete at the required level, that’s for sure.

Ken Hinkley is under pressure after a Round 1 loss. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“Some of the vision is not great, it was pretty evident even late in the first quarter that it wasn’t where it needed to be.

“Coming to compete at our level for some reason wasn’t there from the start and that is the only focus going forward for this week.

“I’m not sure for the reason for it, we thought we were in a good spot coming in. I can’t pinpoint why it looked that way but the focus now is only how we compete this weekend.”

When asked if the succession plan was creating any confusion at Alberton, Cornes replied “absolutely not”.

“I’ve made a pact not to listen or watch anything this year because it just takes your mind off what is important and the only thing is important is what is in here and what we speak about, our values in here,” he said.

“People can say what they want but all that matters is how we respond next weekend now, people will have their opinions and rightly so they can and after a performance like that you would expect lots of criticism but I wouldn’t know what they are.

“Not within here (will it cause any disruption or distraction), the connection and mood, the way we all get along is at a great level. People will say what they say but it doesn’t affect what we do here.”

The Power will aim to bounce back against Richmond on Saturday at Adelaide Oval and Port’s record after big losses did give Cornes something to be bullish about.

“We have shown that we have had a few of these performances over the last few years and normally this group responds really well,” he said.

“Obviously disappointing for this to happen in Round 1 but the thing I love the most about this group is that they always respond.”

Esava Ratugolea could be in the mix to return to the side after he played three quarters for Port’s SANFL side – he was originally only meant to play two as he comes back from knee surgery.

While vice-captain Zak Butters was moving well at Alberton on Monday as he ran and kicked following knee surgery of his own.

Due back around Port’s Gather Round clash against Hawthorn, an early Butters return could just be what the Power need.

“He is going well, if anyone can get back quicker than expect it is him,” he said.

“He is doing everything, he was as disappointed as anyone watching on.”

Originally published as Port Adelaide assistant Chad Cornes defends Power’s coaching succession plan after loss to Pies