Kane Cornes says he cannot see where the improvement comes from for the Power under Josh Carr

Divisive AFL media personality and Port Adelaide premiership player Kane Cornes says he can’t see where improvement will come from under the Power’s new coach next year.

Port Adelaide assistant coach, Josh Carr during a press conference during in March, 2025. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Divisive AFL commentator and Power premiership player Kane Cornes says he can’t see where improvement will come from at Port Adelaide under Josh Carr next season.

It comes just a week after his brother, Chad, was sacked by the club after almost a decade as part of its coaching staff.

The decision not to renew his contract was made as Carr prepares to take over as Power senior coach in 2026.

The Cornes brothers and Carr were premiership teammates at the club in 2004.

Josh Carr will take over from Ken Hinkley as senior coach in 2026 Picture: RoyVPhotography

Kane Cornes said he doesn’t see the future being bright under Josh Carr. Picture: by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Father Graham Cornes has also added fuel to the fire, saying Chad’s departure meant he “can now finally put to bed any well wishes he has towards the Power”.

Appearing on his regular First Up show on afl.com.au on Sunday, Kane was critical of the Power’s start against bottom-placed West Coast Eagles.

“I may be wrong but I don’t see the future being that bright under Josh Carr,” he said.

The Power eventually overran the Eagles to win by 26 points – but it was hardly an inspiring performance.

The Eagles led by 25 points at quarter time in a hot start by the visitors as they booted six first-term goals.

Cornes slammed Port Adelaide’s start, labelling the ball use as “horrendous”.

However, he was full of praise for Zak Butters, who was in top form, saving the Power from complete embarrassment in amassing 14 disposals and four clearances in the first term.

“They started poorly, so it was a credit to Zak to say ‘Come on, let’s go, we can’t be losing to West Coast’. He was enormous,” Cornes said.

However, when Cornes was questioned about Port Adelaide’s ability to keep Butters away from other clubs at the end of his contract, he raised concerns about the future of the Power under Carr.

Josh Carr at a break in play in his role as the Power’s midfield coach this season. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Kane Cornes and Josh Carr as Port Adelaide teammates during their playing careers.

In February, as revealed by The Advertiser, the Power went public with its plan for Carr to take over from Hinkley after this season.

Butters is contracted to Port Adelaide until the end of 2026 but has gained significant interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria.

“Butters has played in a good side under Ken Hinkley – they’ve always been around the mark,” Cornes said.

He said the Power’s neglect of the draft for a period of about five years could haunt the club.

“They don’t have their first pick this year, which is a disaster when you don’t make finals,” he said.

Cornes said he also had concerns about the club’s waning ruck stocks, its ability to have healthy defenders on the park, and a lack of potency in attack.

“I’m not sure that’s a forward line that’s going to get you that excited,” he said.

Port Adelaide sits 11th on the ladder with eight wins and nine losses