Port Adelaide midfielder Tom Rockliff says he can maintain career high in first game back at the Gabba

Tom Rockliff believes he can continue his career-high output in his first trip back to the Lions’ den in Port Adelaide colours as he anticipates the timely return of co-captain Ollie Wines.

Port Adelaide’s Tom Rockliff trains at Alberton Oval ahead of clash against Brisbane. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz.

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Tom Rockliff believes he can maintain the rage fuelling career-high output in a special return to the Lions’ den on Saturday.

Co-skipper Ollie Wines’ comeback from shoulder surgery will bolster Port in what Rockliff predicts will be a “head to head’ showdown between the league’s form midfields.

Having recaptured peak form and fitness Rockliff, 29, has the armoury to sustain an unprecedented workload with or without Wines.

“We are playing a different game style this year and there seems to be a lot more freedom in our ball movement so no reason why I can’t impact the contest like I have been the last two or three weeks,” said Rockliff.

Tom Rockliff in action against Carlton on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Tom Rockliff trains at Alberton on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Rockliff switched to Alberton for a fresh AFL start but didn’t replicate his 2014 All Australian form over 18 games last year.

Former Lions skipper Rockliff was hindered by the effects of shoulder surgery last year and took time to acclimatise at Alberton before burning up the track this summer.

“On a personal level it was a good pre-season under the belt, 12 months in the system, the guys understanding the way I play, me understanding the way they play. It is building on those relationships.”

Champion Data stats show the extent of Rockliff’s renaissance and status as AFL’s most improved on-baller.

Rockliff has doubled his average disposals per game from 20.6 to 40.5. this season, ahead of rejuvenated off-sider Travis Boak who has surged from 21.9 to 33.5. West Coast’s Dom Sheed has increased average disposals from 21.8 to 33.

Rockliff has spent 94 per cent of time in the midfield in wins against Melbourne and Carlton compared with 73 per cent last year. Rockliff’s refitted motor has doubled centre bounce attendances from 10.4 to 18 followed by first year revelation Willem Drew 14.5

“We have a really good balance. We have seen the kids come in and have an impact and Willem Drew has been really good through the midfield,” said Rockliff.

“We have a bit of flexibility in our games, the ability to flip inside and outside the contest, go to wing or forward.”

Ollie Wines trains at Alberton on Tuesday. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Wines is a timely addition to Port’s engine room entering battle with the season’s best trade acquisition Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson, Jarryd Lyons, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry.

“They have good midfield depth as well, both teams will go head to head,” said Rockliff.

“They have quality through there, brought in Lyons, Neale so two really good inside midfielders added to the likes of Berry, Robinson is playing a really good role for them up on the wing, Zorko, McCluggage.”

Wines’ resumption against the Lions won’t upset the equilibrium of Boak and Rockliff’s transfer to front-line midfield roles or the stunning emergence of Drew and Zak Butters.

“I don’t think anyone's roles will change but it is obviously great to have him back,” said Rockliff of Wines.

“He is a great player and looking forward to getting up and going.”

.“Ollie is seen as an inside mid because he is so powerfully built. There is no reason I can’t slip out the wing for certain stoppages or period.

“Willem Drew did that on the weekend. Zak Butters was up there as well.

“The good thing is we have pressure on spots.”

Rockliff holds ‘no bitterness’ at his Lions exit but a deep desire to triumph in his first game back at the Gabba.

“There has been a little bit of banter but actions speak louder than words,” said Rockliff, who played 154 games for the Lions from 2009 to 2017.

“I am really looking forward to it. There are special memories, you spend nine or 10 years of your life up there and something I will never forget.”