Port Adelaide have announced changes to their coaching lineup for the 2024 season, with Tyson Goldsack promoted to assistant coach and Hamish Hartlett appointed SANFL senior coach, amongst other moves.
The club has appointed Jason Williams as development coach, which will incorporate the Next Generation Academy. Following their disappointing finish to season 2023, the structural changes are part of the usual shuffling that happens at clubs every off-season.
Goldsack replaces the departed Nathan Bassett as a defensive coach, and said he's excited at the prospect of a new challenge.
โI'm extremely excited by the opportunity to be the defensive line coach within this program,โ Goldsack said in a club statement.
โI've transitioned from development coach to leading my own team in the SANFL last year and I feel well equipped to look after the defensive group.
โWe are building a strong defensive group with the experience of Aliir Aliir, Trent McKenzie and Tom Clurey along with the recent additions of Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher to complement our group of young defenders.
โI can't wait to get working with Ken, Chad, Josh and our other coaches across pre-season.โ
With Goldsack's promotion, the senior coach role at the state level became available, leading to Hartlett's appointment, which in turn led to Williams' appointment as a development coach.
Goldsack led the Power to the finals in the SANFL this season before a week one loss saw their season end.
The prospect of improving upon 2023 has Hartlett optimistic.
โI'm really excited by the opportunity to coach the SANFL program,โ Hartlett said.
โIt's a big challenge but I look forward to building on the great work put in place by Goldy (Tyson Goldsack) this year. It's a privilege to coach this club at any level and the honour is not lost on me.โ
Williams, who has previously worked at the AFL as coach of the Indigenous Talent Programs and as an assistant coach in the VFL for the Northern Bullants, is enthusiastic about the prospect of mentoring young players.
โI'm passionate about helping young footballers grow and maximise their potential,โ Williams said.
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โHaving spent part of this past season with Port Adelaide observing and shadowing their coaching group, I could not be more excited by this opportunity.โ
With the Power under the pump to improve after this year's disappointing finals fade out, a coaching change-up may be just the ticket to recharge and re-energise a talented group of players looking for something extra.
