AFL news: Miles Bergman and Jase Burgoyne lead race for Port Adelaide’s wing roles

First it was Tom Clurey. Then Mitch Georgiades. Now, the wing musical chairs at Alberton might finally have been decided. SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON reveals the likely combination.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Jase Burgoyne of the Power marks the ball during the round 21 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Port Adelaide Power at GMHBA Stadium, on August 05, 2023, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

There could be a bit of a tug of war over Miles Bergman at Alberton.

While last month it appeared that the defence had retained the young gun, with new backline coach Tyson Goldsack saying he was “pretty keen to keep” Bergman was on the wing right from the beginning of the Power’s match simulation against Adelaide at Alberton on Friday evening.

Bergman has played there before, that was his position when he broke into the Power’s side and he returned to the wing and kicked three goals in a quarter against GWS in Round 22 last year.

But he was also extremely impressive for the Power in defence in 2023, such as when he curtailed Geelong star Jeremy Cameron in Port’s Round 14 win.

Port has a big call to make on where it uses Miles Bergman. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Son of a gun Jase Burgoyne looms as one of Port’s wingers. Picture: Kelly Barnes

It is this versatility that makes the Power wish it had three Bergmans.

Power forward coach Chad Cornes said after the hitout against the Crows that there was plenty to like about a potential return to the wing for the 22-year-old.

“We’ve got such a good selection of high backs and wing is a position we’re still trying to lock in who that is and Miles is a player that can play multiple positions and do it really well,” he said.

“We saw last year that he can do real damage on the wing as well as down back.

“He’s up for the move so we’re just still experimenting with what the actual line-up looks like but I think he’s one who could fill that wing spot for us because of how versatile he is and the weapons he has.”

Key defender Tom Clurey was trialled on a wing earlier in pre-season. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Son of a gun Jase Burgoyne started on the other wing for the Power, while veteran Travis Boak spent most of his game time in that position when he came off the interchange bench.

Power senior coach Ken Hinkley has said leadership group member Willem Drew is likely to spend some time on the wing as well in 2024.

He missed the clash against the Crows as he nurses a sore shoulder but is set to return to action for the Power’s pre-season match against Fremantle on Friday.

Jackson Mead might have also given the Power coaching staff something to think about.

The father-son built on his strong internal trial showing with an impressive performance against the Crows.

With Drew sitting out Mead also got plenty of time as an inside mid, which Cornes said was reward for a good pre-season.

“He often gets pushed out because of the others we have in there but he got a bit of exposure in there and did some great stuff so everyone would be really happy for Meady because he puts the work in and he’s a really good person so it’s great to see guys that get a bit of a reward,” he said.