PORT Adelaide is set to overhaul its assistant coaching panel after Brendon Lade's announcement he would leave the club and return to Melbourne.

The Power have already lost senior assistant Matthew Nicks, with Greater Western Sydney pursuing him, while head of football development Aaron Greaves is joining Lade in coming back to Victoria. 

Lade, who had been in charge of the forward line, leaves the club with a year remaining on the contract he signed at the end of 2016 and told portadelaidefc.com.au he wanted to look at his options.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Port Adelaide both as a player and as a coach and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to represent and be a part of this great club over so many years," Lade said.

"However, it's important for my family that we return to Melbourne to explore other opportunities. Both (coach) Ken (Hinkley) and (football manager) Chris (Davies) fully understand and support our decision as a family.

"Port Adelaide has been everything to me and it will always be that way."

Lade was part of the Power's inaugural list and went on to play 234 games for the club, including the 2004 premiership.

He was twice named in the All Australian side.

Davies said the parting was amicable.

"Brendon has been a popular and knowledgeable member of our coaching panel and his football insight has been valuable," Davis said.

"We appreciate his desire to return with his family to Victoria to explore other opportunities and we part on the best of terms.

"He will always be an important member of the Port Adelaide family."

Lade retired from playing in 2009 and soon afterwards, took up a job at the Tigers.