Ben Rutten, a familiar name in Australian football, has embarked on a new journey at Port Adelaide, marking a significant shift in his career. After navigating the complexities of a succession plan at Essendon and experiencing the pressures of a coaching hot seat, Rutten has been appointed to facilitate Josh Carr’s transition from assistant to senior coach in 2026. This move is part of an extensive off-season transformation at Alberton.
Rutten’s appointment follows Ken Hinkley’s 13-year tenure, bringing fresh perspectives to Port Adelaide’s football department. Joining a revamped team that includes Andy Collins as director of coaching, Stuart Dew as senior assistant, and several other key figures, Rutten is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s future.
From Richmond to Port Adelaide: A Strategic Move
The 42-year-old Rutten spent the last three years at Richmond, initially reuniting with Damien Hardwick as head of coaching performance and development. He later served as a key assistant to Adem Yze. Reflecting on his unexpected departure from Essendon, Rutten considered transitioning into football operations, a path that became viable when Chris Davies stepped down as Port Adelaide’s General Manager.
After a month-long process involving discussions with Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson and list manager Jason Cripps, Rutten secured his new role at the end of October. “It is certainly a role I’ve had some interest in the last 18 months,” Rutten shared with AFL.com.au. “The opportunity at Port felt right, with the people there and the potential over the next four or five years. It’s an exciting time to be at Port Adelaide.”
Building a Premiership Program
Rutten’s vision for Port Adelaide extends beyond immediate goals. “The appeal is the ability to have a broad impact on performance and shaping the team,” he explained. His focus is on developing a premiership program over the next few years. “It’s a great position to support a head coach; coaching today is not just about X’s and O’s, it’s a vast role.”
Rutten’s experience is expected to be invaluable to Josh Carr, who was appointed as Hinkley’s successor before the last season. “Having been part of a succession plan and a head coach, I can add unique value,” Rutten noted. “Understanding the demands of the head coach role allows me to empathize with Josh during his coaching journey.”
Paths to Leadership: Diverse Journeys in AFL
In the AFL, the path to a General Manager position is varied. Some, like Charlie Gardiner, come from legal backgrounds, while others, such as Rob McCartney, were primary school principals. Rutten joins the ranks of former senior coaches transitioning to football department leadership, alongside Alan Richardson at Melbourne and Leon Cameron at Sydney.
Despite his new role, Rutten’s passion for coaching remains. “I love coaching and developing players, but this role offers a broader understanding of the business,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to Port Adelaide’s success.”
Learning from the Best
Rutten’s time at Richmond was instrumental in his development. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from great footy managers like Neil Balme and Tim Livingstone,” he reflected. Observing experienced administrators helped guide Rutten towards his new chapter at Alberton.
“I’ve been pretty fortunate over two stints to be involved with Richmond. Seeing it build and seeing premierships and more recently transitioning into a rebuild phase,” Rutten said.
Returning to South Australia: A New Beginning
After retiring in 2014 following a successful playing career with Adelaide, Rutten’s return to South Australia marks a new beginning. “It’s been 11 years since I was a player in Adelaide,” he said. “The freshness and rawness of moving to Port aren’t there anymore; I’ve been in Victoria for 11 years and understand how the system works.”
Rutten’s respect for Port Adelaide’s rich history and heritage is evident. “To be part of Showdowns from a different angle for the other team is exciting. It’s one of the real rivalries in the AFL,” he remarked.
Port Adelaide commenced pre-season training under a new regime on Monday, signaling the dawn of a new era at Alberton. With Rutten’s strategic insights and experience, the club is poised for a promising future.
