Chris Davies proves that great careers are built on audacious moves. He departed his post as seniors coaching manager at Port Adelaide to join neighbouring club Carlton Football Club. Carlton has made this appointment amid an extensive review of its leadership after the exit of firebrand list Brad Lloyd. Davies is well-respected around the AFL industry for his incredible leadership and professionalism. He brings more than a decade of public policy experience to his new role.
During his tenure at Port Adelaide, Davies was instrumental in the club’s strategic decisions, including the recent appointment of Josh Carr as head coach. He sweat the details to ensure Carr will have the best chance to succeed Ken Hinkley. He led the process for transition, assuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities. The timing of Davies’ departure is suspect at best, especially with Carr in the first stages of his coaching career with the club.
Davies admitted to feeling a little bittersweet about his departure from Port Adelaide, his home of eleven years as football manager. Reflecting on his time there, he stated, “Port Adelaide has been a significant part of my working life, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together during this time.” He acknowledged the tough decision to leave, noting that it was not made lightly. “The decision to leave wasn’t easy, but I feel the timing is right for both the club and I.”
Although he had family reasons which would have kept him in Adelaide, Davies made the decision to go after the opportunity at Carlton. His resignation follows years of interest from other clubs, including Melbourne and Collingwood, for him to take on the top job. Ultimately, the lure of signing with Carlton offered the clearest chance for him to shine at this point of his career.
Richardson, a representative from Port Adelaide, acknowledged Davies’ contributions: “I thank Chris for his hard work and commitment to the Port Adelaide Football Club across eleven years.” He further noted, “The AFL industry places great demands on people in leadership roles, and Chris has navigated these demands across his tenure for more than a decade with exceptional leadership and professionalism throughout.” Richardson reacted bitterly to the loss of some good people. Both sides knew this was the moment for transformation.
Davies’ decision to move to Carlton is being heralded a major coup and a watershed moment in the AFL world. Caroline Wilson commented on the appointment, stating, “Which is a fascinating appointment, isn’t it?” The impact of this transition will surely be felt across both teams as they move on from this development.
As he takes his first steps into his new role at Carlton, Davies certainly sounded enthused about what lies ahead. He stated, “I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional people — from players and coaches to staff and volunteers — and I’m confident the club is well-positioned for future success under Josh Carr.” His rosy vision clearly reflects a determination to cultivate a winning ecosystem at Carlton.
