Chris Davies leading candidate to take over from Brad Lloyd at Carlton

The Blues are moving quickly after showing Brad Lloyd the door, with their eyes headed towards South Australia in the search for a new footy boss.

Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies has emerged as a top candidate in Carlton’s search for a new football boss to help partner Michael Voss next season.

The Herald Sun on Tuesday revealed the Blues had parted ways with long-time football manager Brad Lloyd after seven years in the role.

Lloyd had served under Brendon Bolton, David Teague and Voss, and was praised for his work helping turn the club around from its darkest days.

While Carlton is yet to ramp up its search for a new footy boss, Davies is expected to top the club’s wish-list as one of the game’s most respected footy executives.

Chris Davies, Port Adelaide GM of Football. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Davies has a close relationship with Voss from their time at Port Adelaide together along with Voss’s right-hand man, Aaron Greaves.

But Davies could yet decline any interest from the Blues as he attempts to oversee the transition from coach Ken Hinkley to senior assistant Josh Carr next season.

Davies has been a big supporter of Hinkley and the changeover could also provide a period of reflection on his next career move.

It is known the former state cricketer is open to finishing his career in Melbourne at the AFL or another club for the right opportunity.

He has been previously considered as a future club CEO.

While Davies is a top target, he could be out of reach due to his loyalty to Port and ties to Carr.

Port face a big challenge in the coaching handover next season after a tough year falling out of the finals mix, with superstar Zak Butters considering requesting a move at the end of 2026.

Davies has turned down a long list of clubs and the AFL over job opportunities and has a young family well settled in Adelaide.

Ken Hinkley is in demand. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Hinkley is also a key target for rivals in a coaching director role but the 13-year Power coach plans to take a significant break at season’s end.

He also wants to spend more time with family including his six grandchildren in Adelaide over the next period.

While Hinkley could join a rival club next season, he has not made any commitments and is intent on having a long break to refresh.

Other candidates include Western Bulldogs’ football operations manager Matthew Egan, Brisbane Lions’ football boss Danny Daly, Collingwood premiership captain and leadership consultant Nick Maxwell and Greaves.

Maxwell finished second to then-Collingwood CEO Graham Wright at Collingwood and second at Hawthorn to Rob McCartney, but in any case could stick with his current business interests.

The search comes as now Carlton CEO Wright said the club had no plans to trade star players Charlie Curnow, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering.

“I hope they all are (here),” Wright said.

“We haven’t got enough good players. We’re like every team, we want more good players or elite players.

Davies and Voss at Port Adelaide. Picture: SARAH REED

“Those guys are in that category. I’d hope they’re here, they’re all contracted.”

But he confirmed the club would be active this exchange period to help improve the list as Tom De Koning (St Kilda) and Jack Silvagni likely exit.

Western Bulldogs remain in the race for Silvagni, while Essendon coach Brad Scott met with him last week.

“It needs change,” Wright said.

“But that’s everybody. It’s not like I’m sitting here thinking that we’re the only ones that are going to need change or want change or want to get better.

“But we need to get better. Whether that be through the draft or trade or free agency, or however we possibly can, we’ll be exploring everything.”

Wright said list boss Nick Austin and recruiting chief Mick Agresta would also remain.

Wright lauded Lloyd for his work helping serve the Blues since joining the club from Fremantle in 2018.

“Brad has been a central part of Carlton in recent years: he has progressed and led the football department through some significant adversity during that time, as well as back-to-back finals appearances,” Wright said.

“Brad’s commitment to see out the final two weeks of the season speaks to his dedication and care for those around him.

“He is a great football person, well-respected right throughout the industry, and we wish Brad the very best for what the next chapter holds for him.”