Miles Bergman re-signs with Port Adelaide for two more seasons

The Power has warded off significant interstate attention to re-sign Miles Bergman on a multi-year deal. The young gun reveals why he wants to call Port Adelaide home.

Bonds with his teammates, a long-desired midfield move, leadership experience and Port Adelaide’s upside have convinced Miles Bergman to stay at Alberton for two more years.

Bergman conceded the pull to return home to Victoria was strong, but this past week he decided to turn his back on Melbourne-based interest and re-sign until the end of 2027.

The 23-year-old had been one of the most highly sought out-of-contract players in the competition amid a breakout campaign.

An in-season addition to the Power’s leadership group, Bergman has shown his positional versatility in switching from defence to on-ball in recent weeks.

He deliberately took his time to make a contract call and was now relieved it was done.

“I wouldn’t say I was ever out the door, but there was definitely the lure of going home to family,” said Bergman, who was reportedly now among the AFL’s highest paid players.

“I was never set on going home or staying, I was just undecided.

“Throughout the year I’ve been focused on footy and really enjoying the club.

“In the last week or so, really thinking about it post-bye, I came to the decision.

Miles Bergman celebrates a goal with Jase Burgoyne. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“The connection with a lot of boys and leadership group, and seeing how young we are and how much upside we have going forward.

“I have been waiting six years to play a little bit of midfield, so that’s helped (sway the decision) and been exciting.”

Being more settled in Adelaide now that his fiancee, Meecah, had moved across permanently had been another big factor in re-signing.

“She’s come and gone the last few years with uni and work, now she’s back,” he said.

“She loves it here, gets along with all the partners really well and loves living near the bench.”

Power veteran Travis Boak provided a sounding board for Bergman’s decision, 13 years after the ex-captain made a big call to remain at the club as Geelong tried to recruit him.

Miles Bergman has re-signed with the Power. Picture: Michael Klein

Bergman, who followed fellow Victorian Power first-round pick Josh Sinn in re-signing this week, said he would now “push” superstar teammate Zak Butters to extend his contract beyond next year.

“It’s time to put the pressure on him,” he said with a smile.

“You’ve seen in the past how many Victorians have decided to stay – Boaky, Robbie (Gray), Ollie (Wines) – and it shows how strong our club is.

“Hopefully me signing on can do the same for other boys.”

Bergman’s deal takes him to free agency and will coincide with senior coach-in-waiting Josh Carr’s first two seasons as Ken Hinkley’s replacement.

“Ken and I have been really close since I came and he’s been amazing building me up to who I am.

“Since Josh has come in, he’s done the same and been really supportive.”

Originally published as Miles Bergman re-signs with Port Adelaide for two more seasons