Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley strongly supports senior assistant coach Josh Carr amid speculation over his candidacy to replace the outgoing Adam Simpson as head coach of the West Coast Eagles.
During his mid-week press conference ahead of Thursday selection, Hinkley acknowledged Carr's potential in the coaching ranks, re-iterating his desire for Carr to follow his legacy at Port Adelaide.
He also recognised Carr's aspirations and the opportunities opening up with the recent coaching vacancy at West Coast.
"I've been really clear in my mind that Josh will be an outstanding coach by himself in his own right," Hinkley said.
"I would love that to be at Port Adelaide but I don't control Josh's decision-making. If Josh has something that he wants to pursue, I would be very supportive of Josh.
Carr has been a key figure at Port Adelaide since his playing days but is widely regarded across the competition as a top contender for a senior coaching role.
His name has surfaced in discussions about a potential Port Adelaide succession plan, which very well could see Carr replace Hinkley at Alberton Oval in the future.
But he could also be tempted by the allure of filling Simpson's void at one of the wealthiest club's in the AFL with one of the largest supporter bases.
Hinkley, whose own contract with Port Adelaide runs until the end of 2025, also shared his thoughts on Simpson's stellar 11-year tenure.
"Adam Simpson's been a great coach for West Coast," he added.
"He should hold his head really high, he's done an outstanding job."
As a potential coaching merry-go-round begins with Simpson's departure, a potential move to West Coast for Carr is only speculation, with candidates Dean Cox, Ash Hansen, Nathan Buckley, Daniel Giansiracusa and others also in the box seat to secure a senior gig.
The coaching market will continue to heat up through to the off-season, especially with the impending need for a coach for the new Tasmanian team.
The next few seasons already promise to see significant changes and landmark signings across the league.