Port Adelaide defender-turned-midfielder Miles Bergman has signed on to remain at Port Adelaide for a further two years, taking him through to at least the end of 2027. 

Bergman’s role has expanded this year both on and off field, with the emerging leader growing continuously in confidence and ability. 

Speaking with the Adelaide media on Wednesday, the 23-year-old spoke about his new deal, developing his leadership skills, and seeking guidance on his future from Travis Boak. 

Bergman on re-signing with Port Adelaide 
“Obviously, there's always the lure of family back home, but at the end of the day, I love the club, and that's why I chose to sign on. (I made the decision) pretty recently. Obviously I’ve been pretty open throughout the year (that) I've just been focusing on footy and really enjoying the club at the moment, and then just in the last week or so, I’ve really been thinking about it post-bye and came to a decision. 

“It’s definitely (a relief to get it done). I’m more relaxed now and can just focus on footy and try to get us back on the winners list and keep going strong and push for finals.” 

Bergman on what he loves about the playing group 
“I just (love) the connection with a lot of the boys and the leadership group, and just seeing how young we are and how much upside we have going forward. 

“I feel like our group's so connected, and we all just work so well together that there's no one above anyone else, and we're all in it together. But I certainly feel a little bit older now, with so many young boys coming through, which is probably a good sign.” 

Bergman on being an emerging leader 
“(Being in leadership group meetings has) probably helped me with my footy as well and just maturing as a person. But I think our whole leadership group's really young, and we're going to grow every year and in every game. So having such a young group is just really exciting and brings a lot of energy. 

“There's a few boys that are emerging leaders as well. There was a chat earlier in the year about wanting to help a few boys build their leadership skills, and I got asked to come into a few meetings, and then it sort of became more permanent, which was really exciting for me, and helped me develop as well.” 

Bergman on his role change into the midfield 
“I have been waiting six years to play a little bit of midfield, so that's helped, and it's been exciting, it's been good. It would be nice to play midfield full time, but at this time, I'm really happy just to do whatever the club needs to get us where we need to go.” 

Bergman on developing his leadership skills 
“(I’ve been developing) the confidence to speak up when you see something that you want to correct…it builds confidence in yourself as well to play and then, just helping others that might be a little bit shy or standoffish, to feel confident to speak up as well.” 

Bergman on the pull of going home 
“There's always the thought throughout the year. But like I said, I've been focusing on footy for probably the first half of this year, and then had a little bit more thought in the last few weeks and talks with my manager and the club, but at the end of the day, it's been great. Port Adelaide have been more than welcoming for me ever since I came here, and it's like a family for me. So really happy with my decision. 

“I wouldn't say I ever felt like I was out the door, but there was definitely the lure of going home with family and like my partner now we're getting older and thinking about family, so it was always a thought. But I wouldn't say I ever was set on going home or staying, it was just undecided. But I was always brought into the club and wanted to finish the year as strong as I could. But then, yeah, as the year went on, the more I decided that this was the place to be.” 

Bergman on his relationship with Ken Hinkley and Josh Carr  
“Ken and I have been really, really close since I came and he's been amazing for building me up to who I am now. And since Josh has come in, he's done the same. He's been really supportive and helped me build as a character. So I’m really excited for the future.” 

Bergman on his family’s reaction to his contract 
“They’re just really excited. They're happy with whatever makes me happy. So they're more relaxed with work now, and they come over every home game, so I see them quite a bit, and it's nice and close, which is perfect.” 

Bergman on fiancé Meecah having moved to Adelaide 
“Yeah, definitely a big factor. Having her over here and being more settled. She's sort of come and gone for the last few years with uni and work. So now she's back and we can settle in, for sure. She's excited. She loves it here. Gets along with all the partners really well and loves living near the beach, so she's pretty happy.” 

Bergman on settling on two more years 
“Yeah, we obviously thought two years takes me to free agency, and then just haven't really thought past there, but it's just gives us a chance to sort out whatever happens from there on.” 

Bergman on Port Adelaide’s ability to retain interstate talent  
“You’ve seen in the past, so many Victorians that have decided to stay. It shows how strong our club is, with Boaky, Robbie, Ollie, all those boys. So it shows like how strong we are and how good we are at keeping interstate boys, and hopefully me signing on shows dedication and can do the same for other boys.” 

Bergman on seeking guidance from Travis Boak 
“Yeah, definitely. We've had many chats this year and in the past, and he's so wise. He knows so much about footy and then so much off field as well to support you. And whenever you're feeling like you need a chat, he's there. So he's been great for me and really helped in that decision as well.” 

Bergman on looking forward to the future 
“Yeah, it's so exciting with Carry (Josh Carr) coming in next year and such a young group, we're really looking forward to finishing this year really strong, and seeing what we can do, and then going forward, just putting our foot down and really trying to lead this group to ultimate success.”