Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne: Why Miles Bergman is the Power’s most important off-season signing
The Power is right in the race for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s signature, but Matt Turner writes convincing Miles Bergman to re-sign could be a higher priority – and Sunday’s win showed why.
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Port Adelaide is in a tug of war for St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, but Miles Bergman may be just as important an out-of-contract player signing.
Bergman shone during the Power’s gutsy home win over Melbourne, particularly during the first half where he helped his team set up a 24-point lead at the long break.
Fresh off a starring role in Port’s away win over GWS, the versatile 23-year-old again played midfield and defence, blanketing Demons star Christian Petracca early.
Bergman had 13 disposals, a major, seven contested possessions, four inside 50s, two clearances and two goal assists – one from a bullet pass to Mitch Georgiades – to halftime.
Quiet in the third term, registering just one disposal, Bergman re-emerged in the last quarter – as a defender.
He switched with captain Connor Rozee, who had been at half-back, and stood and Kysaiah Pickett and Petracca when they were in attack late.
Bergman ended the match with 22 disposals, seven marks and four tackles.
“His stocks are rising,” Fox Footy’s Mark Ricciuto said.
Colleague Nathan Buckley added: “It’s not often you can find a player who can go midfield and then go back.
“There’s plenty of midfielder-forwards in the competitions.
“What Miles Bergman is showing is something every coach will want to have in his arsenal – a player who can handle a damaging player around stoppage then be able to go behind the ball with him.”
Bergman is weighing a return to his home state of Victoria while classy half-back Wanganeen-Milera considers moving back to South Australia.
Port, the Crows and Saints are all hoping to secure Wanganeen-Milera’s signature.
He would be a huge boon for the Power, where he had close friendships with Jase Burgoyne and Jason Horne-Francis, but losing Bergman might be as big as two-time All-Australian Dan Houston’s exit.
Bergman, who can also play on a wing, is so flexible and four-and-a-half years younger.
Mitch Georgiades was in a similar boat to Bergman two seasons ago, chose to stay and was one of the biggest differences between the sides on Sunday.
The high flyer could have booted nine or 10 majors, but finished with 7.4 to move to fifth in the Coleman Medal tally with 32 for the year.
Whereas Georgiades seemed to be on the end of everything for Port, the Demons’ method going forward and their connection was an issue all game.
Melbourne finished with four more inside 50s but too often bombed long and did not have a target doing damage like Georgiades.
Originally published as Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne: Why Miles Bergman is the Power’s most important off-season signing
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