Port Adelaide midfielder Will Lorenz is thoroughly enjoying pre-season, embracing a clean slate with a new group of coaches leading the AFL program. 

The 20-year-old was rewarded with a contract extension in September, and has since spent the off-season working on his running and putting on size in the gym. 

Lorenz spoke with the Adelaide media on Monday about pre-season so far, his goals for 2026 and how he’s improving himself as an athlete.  

Lorenz on pre-season so far 
“It’s been good. Really enjoying it this year. I think with a lot of the new, fresh faces, it's been good. Obviously, a few trades as well came through. So yeah, we’ve been really happy with how the group's going. It's been fun. I think, just obviously with a new coach, naturally, stuff's going to change. So some of that's been really exciting, and I’m looking forward to it translating into the game next year.” 

Lorenz on having a clean slate with a new coaching group 
“Yeah, a little bit. I think again, naturally, that will happen with new coaches, they see us on the track and haven't seen us before, so it's a clean slate for probably most people. So that's definitely exciting.” 

Lorenz on his goals for 2026 
“I think for me personally, it's obviously to play more senior games. I've had a few chances here and there last year and in my first year. So I’m sort of looking to lock down a few more games. That'd be good. I think (there is opportunity there). I feel like I'm quite versatile as a player, so I'm open to playing many different positions, whether that be on the wing, inside or half back. So yeah, I'm pretty happy to play wherever.” 

Lorenz on Josh Carr’s feedback 
“The main thing for me was just putting on a bit of size and (working on) my speed, that sort of area, just trying to get a bit quicker. So, if that helps me play a bit more inside mid then that'd be good.” 

Lorenz on how he’s improving himself 
“I wasn't (much of a gym-goer) when I came here, but I'm starting to get into a little bit. I’ve put on, since the end of season, probably six kilos. I’ve just been eating and being a gym rat really! Yeah, it's definitely tough (balancing putting on size with improving running). Obviously putting on weight, you're going to be heavier, and it tends to mean that you're going to be a bit slower. But I worked with a sprint coach back in Melbourne, so I think that's put in good stead for this year. It’s an area that I know I need to improve on. So I got in pretty early, and got a sprint coach there, and went to the track and did a bit of stuff there. So, yeah, it's been good. (His name is) Phil, he actually works with my mum. So shout out to mum as well. I think anything that can grow my game and give me more opportunity to play at senior level, then definitely embrace that.” 

Lorenz on his new buzzcut   
“I've seen Chad Warner roll around with it over the last year, and I don't have the greatest hairline of all time. He's embracing and so am I! So yeah, it's definitely something different.” 

Lorenz on his recent one-year extension 
“I definitely feel settled here in Adelaide. I love it. It’s a little bit calmer compared to Melbourne, with traffic and whatnot. That's been really good, I’m enjoying it. And yeah, it's exciting to sign a contract extension. Obviously it’s been my dream for a long time to play AFL. And to sign an extension for one year is great. And then this year is definitely a focus trying to get another one and like I said before, try and play some more senior games.”