Power midfielder Brad Ebert has predicted the new boys will help Charlie Dixon shine even brighter

PORT Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert believes the addition of Jack Watts could pave the way for another breakout season for full-forward Charlie Dixon because of the attention he takes away from the key spearhead.

PORT Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert believes the addition of Jack Watts could pave the way for another breakout season for full-forward Charlie Dixon because of the attention he takes away from the key spearhead.

Former Demon Watts, who slotted six goals in the Power’s final JLT Community Series match against Adelaide, has added another dimension to Port’s playbook after it was seen as sometimes being too Dixon-centric last season.

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“There’s more options with Wattsy down there,” Ebert said. “And he was able to kick a bag the other week.

“That was exciting to see and I think it was good for him too — coming to a new club, you always want that confidence and he’s been really good like that. And when Paddy (Ryder) goes down there he can kick a couple, Westy (Justin Westhoff) can go down there and he’s a good strong lead and a mark.

“There’s a number of guys who can go through there and it does take a bit of pressure off ‘Dicko’.”

Charlie Dixon looks set for a big year. Picture: Getty Images

Ebert said it was up to the defenders and midfielders to tidy up the delivery into attack.

“I guess we needed to work on that connection between mids and backs and forwards.” Ebert said.

“We kept going inside 50 and that (low) conversion rate did show up at times.”

Ebert said the six new players from other clubs — Watts and Jack Trengove (Melbourne), Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne), Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast), Tom Rockliff (Brisbane) and Steven Motlop (Geelong) had adapted quickly.

“Our game plan, the way we want to play, hasn’t changed too drastically — we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Ebert said. “And the boys coming in were able to adjust to it pretty quickly.

“A lot of them are senior players who have played 100 games and can fit into any sort of style pretty quickly.

“I think as a group we’ve achieved everything we wanted over the pre-season.

“The second half against the Crows was really promising and something we can really grow from.

“I think we’re on the right path.”

Port Adelaide begins the season against Fremantle at Adelaide on Saturday night.

The Power will be without three-time best and fairest Robbie Gray, who will serve a one-week suspension for striking which he incurred during the practice matches.