Newly appointed assistant coach Luke Webster says the excitement of being part of a new era at Port Adelaide was too good an opportunity to pass up. 

After coaching at West Coast for a decade, including the Eagles’ 2018 premiership victory, Webster was keen for a change, and will take on a role working under Fremantle ex-teammate Josh Carr. 

On a whirlwind trip to Adelaide, Webster spoke with the Adelaide media about his upcoming move, the excitement of Port Adelaide’s young list, and bouncing back in 2026. 

Webster on what excites him about joining Port Adelaide 
“It's probably been a work in progress for a couple of years, but what really excited me is every time that I've coached against Port Adelaide, they've been a really tough challenge. And then the excitement of a new coach, the playing list starting to turn over, some young talent coming through, plus the guys that are already here is something that really drew me to come here.” 

Webster on the timing of the move 
“It probably just didn't work out last year. The opportunities that were presented to me at some other clubs, and then obviously, what you guys were working through here at Port Adelaide, it just probably didn't quite work last year. I kept in contact with Chris (Davies) over the last year, and then obviously met up with Carry (Josh Carr) as well too, which was really good, and it was the right fit for me. I'd been at West Coast for 10 years and it was my turn to try and look at something different and get something new for myself and my career.” 

Webster on working with former teammate Josh Carr 
“It's going to be really exciting. I loved playing with Carry when I played with him. He's resilient, he's tough, he's hard nailed, but he's a terrific fellow as well, and I've been able to keep in contact with him over the years for bits and pieces, but yeah, really looking forward to getting to work with him.  

“As ex-teammates, you bump into (each other) from time to time when you play the team that he's coaching, you normally say g’day out on the ground. It probably wasn't until more this year that I really connected back with him, seeing if there were going to be some opportunities here. And it's been great that it's been able to come through.” 

Webster on why he took the opportunity  
“I've always had a passion for coaching. I've been at West Coast for 10 years, and the opportunity to come to a new club under a new coach, a new playing list, a new future going forward, was something that really excited me. And the things that I can bring…one of the things that I've really held strong with my beliefs is my relationships that I have my players (and) the wealth of experience that I've brought over a number of different roles. I'm going to be doing the backs, but I've coached the forwards and the mids as well, so my knowledge of the game is right up there, and it's just another great opportunity to learn from Josh and the guys that are here as well, but also bring some of my expertise.” 

Webster on players he’s looking forward to working with 
“Obviously, there's a lot, and there's going to be some new guys, but when you think of the back line, obviously Aliir Aliir’s one of the shining lights in there. Obviously Ratugolea had a really good year this year, so really excited to see what those guys can do again. I'm really looking forward to meeting them all and building those relationships with them, and try and add a little bit of my knowledge to obviously better their games and learn from them as well as what it's like to be a Port Adelaide Football Club player and what the environment’s like here and what they bring. So yeah, really looking forward that.” 

Webster on Connor Rozee’s role in defence  
“I didn't mind it when they threw him down to half back. Certainly you need good ball users off half back, and he's one guy that can certainly do that. But you know, obviously we'll have to sit down with Josh and work out what's going to be the best mix in the back line and for the rest of the team over these coming months, and put the best team out in the park. But yeah, really excited to obviously meet all those guys. And if he's one guy that's going to be down there, I'll certainly get the best out of him.” 

Webster on Port Adelaide bouncing back in 2026 
“Yeah, I think it can (bounce back). One of the things that I've always admired about Port is, when we play them, it's always been a tough challenge. And they had a lot of injuries and the list turnover over the last year is been big, but, you know, it's an exciting group. You look at the midfield group, it's probably one of the best in the comp. You've got an exciting forward line, obviously, Mitch had a great year this year, so it's going to be a really exciting time. And that was one the pulls to come here, is it’s a great list. It's a great footy club, and I've admired it from a distance.” 

Webster on the two-team town rivalry 
“I've always heard about the Showdown. Obviously, there's the western derby, but one thing I've always heard is that the Showdown is bigger and better and that the Port Adelaide fans are louder than anyone I've ever heard. I'm really looking forward to being a part of that, and really looking forward to seeing this passionate fan base getting behind their club each week.”