PORT Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis may spend more time as a forward early in the season as he continues his return from a foot injury, with coach Josh Carr keen for the midfield jet to gain confidence before he is fully unleashed.  

Horne-Francis played almost exclusively in attack during a powerful 73-point win against West Coast on Sunday, attending just four centre bounces and kicking two goals as Port rounded out the AAMI Community Series in style. 

The 22-year-old had a scare during last week's match simulation against Adelaide and Carr said it would be a "journey" through the early period of the season for him to gain confidence in his body. 

"He was obviously a bit worried the week before and had a feeling in his foot, so we were obviously precautionary with what that looked like," Carr said after the Power produced a high-octane pressure performance in Perth.  

"The scan gave him some confidence to know what he's dealing with, so for him it's just about being out there and playing footy.

"It's not going to be perfect early in the year, and he's probably going to play some more forward time than midfield time. We're just going to make sure we look after him."

The shift of Horne-Francis to the forward line more permanently, and the absence of Miles Bergman with a toe injury, saw Connor Rozee resume as a full-time midfielder against the Eagles. 

The captain was outstanding with 33 disposals and a game-high 667m gained, with Carr open to using the dual All-Australian in multiple roles after his shift to half-back last season. 

"It depends on what the team needs, and with Bergman out and Horne-Francis forward more, the team needs him around the footy," Carr said.  

"Bergman comes back for round one, so I'd like to say it's a luxury to have to be able to use him both back and midfield. 

"There'll be times where it depends on the opposition and what we need as a team." 

Carr was pleased with the performance of young tall Jack Whitlock, who capped a strong summer with two goals against the Eagles, while mature-age rookie Jack Watkins is pushing for round one selection. 

The first-year senior coach said the pressure his team played with set a standard, with the Power's express ball-movement also providing an indication of how the team will play under the former Fremantle assistant.