Forum topic

Interesting that it was Adam (and family) that made the decision. 

I think the club now needa to look at recruiting a high profile coach, that the both the players and supporters can rally behind. 

I think this year's performances against several of the top sides in 2024 does indicate we have talented players in the group and a change of coach could be a major factor in returning to finals football.

It will be interesting to see if this has any impact on our performance this week against the Tigers. 

Is the Hird speculation based on anything more than the fact that his son is playing for Port Melbourne?

Hird wouldn't be cheap !!

Think there will be a few happy people at Port now.

Exactly Digs,therein lies the problem,once the cmfeu cash dries up and that looks inevitable the purse strings will have to be tightened.What sort of fee would Hird command,it was rumoured Collins was on around $150k at Willy so you’d think a similar amount for Hird,its a full time job aftrr all!

What if due to Hirds time consuming commitments to his business he was offered the position as part time like it is at present ? I dont see us getting the signature but he is at the club a fair bit anyway...

Also the opportunity to coach his son is huge, big drawing point - similar to father son playing together.

I see from today's article in the Herald-Sun that Adam informed the club 6 weeks ago that he would not be going on.  That's nearly half a season. Perhaps there should have been an opportunity given to one of the other coaching panel.

I have warmed to the idea of Hird coaching at Port. I think it would be huge from a media exposure perspective and would potentially sell quite a few memberships and have a few more neutral spectators coming through the gates. 

I am keen to hear who else may be interested in the position.  Potentially a higher wage may be offset by sponsorship and membership/sales. 

I can see the benefits of another coach taking over when Adam informed them of his departure. Perhaps it was a matter of economics? Maybe the board wanted him to coach out the rest of the season as to not pay somebody else a comparable wage after paying him out ? Maybe they dont consider anybody at the club at present as being head coach next year therefore pointless in appointing them ?

Im only guessing. 

How would Pinwill be as a coach ? One of Port's favourite sons.

Would have to be a lot cheaper than Hird who would command at least 200K.

Its only a part time role which would suit Hird considering he has a business to run - no way would he ask 200k for such a position. 

A long term supporter during the week was keen to see Toby in the role saying held be a great appointment. I tend to agree. I also think Baird would be good at it however neither of them are interested in coaching. 

Port has others who are capable but it appears after the failed low profile coach attempt they are going with somebody who has more accolades.

Much as you like Mega,

Hi Profile names are not always the answer. !

James Hird has now officially taken himself out of the running for the coaching position after talks were held last week.

Rohan Smith now looks likely to take the reins down at the Borough in 2025. It will be his first opportunity as a standalone coach in his own right after many years as an assistant coach at AFL level. 

Smith was a forward line coach for Werribee back in 2007.

Not always the answer, hard to disagree with you Digs as theirs no guarantees bur does make it more likely to succeed. Reckon most Port fans would love to have Rohan Smith. A few guys internally could do it as well i reckon.

A couple of others that may be possible.. 

Ash Hansen

Daniel Giansiracusa

Brett Montgommery

Robert Harvey

David Teague

Adam Simpson (seems very unlikely) 

Another possibility is Robert Murphy... Recently departing Fremantle to return to Victoria. 

Ash Hansen would be a good get

Daniel Giansiracusa seems to be ok and could be worth looking at

Brett Montgomery been around the system for ages. Springvale premiership player 1995

Robert Harvey maybe worth the punt if available

David Teague has plenty of experience at afl and vfl level in playing and coaching

Adam Simpson (seems very unlikely) would be the clear top pick but not likely to be available

Brendan McCartney has just resigned from coaching the North Ballarat team in the Ballarat league & would be a good get having had many AFL years at the Western Bulldogs & Collingwood.

Reports coming out that McCartney has accepted the Port job with James Hird as his director of football or something similar.

It's (almost) official!

https://vflfooty.com/brendan-mccartney-and-james-hird-announced-port-mel...

Club announcement expected tomorrow morning. 

McCartney's style might not please all at Port.

His tenure at North Ballarat he was solely dedicated to development & was never interested in bringing highly paid players or big names.

Abou ten of his youngsters had VFL experience at Footscray, Geelong, Werribee, Collingwood, North Melbourne & Brisbane.

It will need to be a change of direction at Port who won't want to be involved in too much development.

A very good coach & person just the same who knows Football & its people back to front.