Ben Rutten, a seasoned figure in Australian football, has embarked on a new chapter at Port Adelaide. After a tumultuous tenure at Essendon and a strategic role at Richmond, Rutten is now poised to guide Josh Carr’s transition from assistant to senior coach in 2026. This move is part of a broader off-season transformation at Alberton, following Ken Hinkley’s departure after 13 years.
Rutten’s appointment is the latest in a series of changes within Port Adelaide’s football department. Joining him are Andy Collins as director of coaching, Stuart Dew as senior assistant, and several other key figures. This reshuffle is aimed at bolstering the team’s performance and building a robust framework for future success.
From Essendon to Port Adelaide: A Journey of Growth
The 42-year-old Rutten has spent the last three years at Richmond, initially reuniting with Damien Hardwick as head of coaching performance and development. He later served as Adem Yze’s key lieutenant, gaining valuable insights into high-performance coaching.
Reflecting on his journey, Rutten shared, “It is certainly a role I’ve had some interest in the last 18 months, just looking at how big the role is of the head coach and how important the support is for building a high-performance program.”
Rutten’s transition to Port Adelaide was catalyzed by the resignation of Chris Davies as the Power’s general manager. After a month-long selection process, Rutten secured the role, returning to his home state with a renewed sense of purpose.
A Strategic Role with Long-term Vision
Rutten’s new position at Port Adelaide is not just about immediate impact but also about shaping the team’s future. “The appeal is the ability to have a really broad impact on performance and shaping the team, not only today but building a plan for a premiership program over a three, four, five-year period,” Rutten explained.
His experience as a former senior coach is expected to be invaluable for first-time senior coach Josh Carr. “Having been part of a succession plan, having been a head coach in the past, not all footy managers have had that experience. I think that’s something that is unique that I can bring,” Rutten noted.
“The feeling I got from Port is they’ve had a really successful program for a long period of time; people like to judge success on the number of premierships, but the last 10 years with Ken Hinkley he has been one of the most winningest coaches in a long time, so it has been a really high-quality program.”
Learning from the Best
Rutten’s time at Richmond was instrumental in shaping his approach to football management. He credits his growth to observing experienced administrators like Tim Livingstone and Blair Hartley. “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,” he said.
His tenure at Richmond also provided a platform to learn from other successful coaches like Adam Kingsley and Craig McRae, further enriching his understanding of the game.
Looking Ahead
As Rutten steps into his new role, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. “I think it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for me to grow personally and also grow with the group that we’ve currently got at Port Adelaide,” he remarked.
Port Adelaide’s pre-season training commenced under this new regime, marking the dawn of a new era at Alberton. The club’s rich history and passionate supporters are expected to play a crucial role in this transformative phase.
For Rutten, this move is more than just a career shift; it is a chance to contribute to a legacy of excellence at Port Adelaide. As he puts it, “If you asked me 11 years ago, it might have been a bit of a different answer. I’ve certainly had a deep respect for Port Adelaide for a long period of time.”
With a strategic vision and a wealth of experience, Rutten is well-positioned to lead Port Adelaide into a promising future.
