Blues deputy pulls pin
JOHN Barker has called time on his coaching career at Carlton, a day after the club announced it was conducting a forensic review of its football operations.
Barker (pictured) told key club officials, including coach David Teague and head of football Brad Lloyd, of his plans on Monday morning.
It is understood the 46year-old had been willing to stay until the end of the season, but it was agreed he would depart during the club’s mid-year bye this weekend. The longtime assistant coach is expected to take a full break from football and return to the finance industry.
Carlton ordered an immediate independent review of its football department after bowing out of another finals race.
President Mark Logiudice said that the probe would be conducted by an external panel led by incoming president Luke Sayers.
“We owe it to our members and supporters to leave no stone unturned in our attempt to improve our on-field performance,” Logiudice said.
Carlton had planned a fullscale review at the end of the season, but brought it forward after David Teague’s side slumped to 4-8 after a disappointing loss to an undermanned West Coast Eagles on the weekend.
Barker, who joined Carlton as an assistant in 2011, has had a number of roles at the Blues and was the stoppages coach this season.
Barker is one of five assistant coaches at Carlton, alongside Dale Amos, Brent Stanton, Cam Bruce and Luke Power.
He acted as caretaker coach at Princes Park following the sacking of Mick Malthouse for 14 games in 2015 and was long earmarked for a senior role.
He was highly touted as the man to take the Gold Coast job when Rodney Eade was axed by the Suns in 2018.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time in footy, and most of all I’ve loved the relationships I’ve built during my time in the game,” Barker said.
“However, over the past 12 months I’ve been able to take the time to reflect on what’s most important to me and given the nature of the role and all it commands, I’ve made the decision to explore other avenues outside of football, and most importantly with my family at the forefront of this decision.”
Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd said Barker had played an integral role in the development of the club’s playing list.
“John is a quality person who was outstanding not only with our playing group, but also with the entire wider club, including staff and our corporate network,” Lloyd said.
Barker played 168 games with Fitzroy, Brisbane and Hawthorn between 1994 and 2006, and was an assistant at three clubs – St Kilda, Hawthorn and Carlton.