10-year Blues coach quits amid club review

Carlton’s mid-season review has started in an ugly fashion with a long-time stalwart of the club standing aside after more than a decade.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: John Barker, Interim Coach of the Blues looks on during the 2015 AFL round 15 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia on July 10, 2015. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Carlton has confirmed assistant coach John Barker has resigned from the club as it embarks on a wide-ranging external review into the footy department that will “leave no stone unturned”.

Barker, who was in the midst of his 11th season at the club and serving as the stoppages coach, offered his resignation to football boss Brad Lloyd on Monday.

Stream selected Fox Footy shows on Kayo Freebies completely free this June including AFL 360, On The Couch, Bounce & more. No Credit Card. No Brainer. Register Free Now >

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Blues said the decision for Barker to depart this week rather than at the end of the season was mutual.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time in footy, and most of all I’ve loved the relationships I’ve built during my time in the game,” Barker said.

“However, over the past 12 months I’ve been able to take the time to reflect on what’s most important to me and given the nature of the role and all it commands, I’ve made the decision to explore other avenues outside of football, and most importantly with my family at the forefront of this decision.”

David Teague and assistant coach John Barker at training.

Barker also spent time as an assistant coach at St Kilda and Hawthorn, which followed a 168-game playing career with Fitzroy, Brisbane and Hawthorn.

It comes after former Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch says the players at Carlton who have reportedly taken aim at coach David Teague under the guise of anonymity should be “the first ones out”.

The Blues this week confirmed they have launched an external review into their football department, as their win-loss record for 2021 slumped to 4-8 over the weekend.

Originally published as 10-year Blues coach quits amid club review