Port Adelaide utility Miles Bergman is looking forward to the opportunity or more midfield minutes this weekend, as the side loses some experienced players through injury and suspension. 

Bergman’s had a challenging year with injury, but his versatility will be an asset to the side this week, with the utility able to slot in wherever Josh Carr needs him. 

Speaking with the Adelaide media on Wednesday, Bergman discussed his on-field role, keeping the vibes high at the club, and what Willem Drew will bring as stand-in captain. 

Bergman on Willem Drew as stand-in captain 
“I think he's been such a great leader of the club for such a long time now. You said it yourself, he's well loved amongst the group, and he drives the standards game day, and is always pushing the boys throughout training. So it'll be really good to see how he leads game day, and I think we're all excited about what he's got to bring. I think he's pretty stoked. I can't wait to run out there next to him and see what he has to offer as well. I can't wait. He hasn't done (a team talk) yet, so we'll have to wait and see how he goes. But I’m sure he's probably pretty nervous about that one!” 

Bergman on playing some midfield minutes this week 
“Yeah, I trained with the mids today, and we'll see what happens. Obviously, with a few boys injured and sore, we'll see what the team looks like and where I need to play, but I'm open to wherever I have to do.” 

Bergman on keeping the vibes high despite injuries 
“Yeah, it's obviously tough. A lot of sore boys and a lot of injured boys coming in at the start of the week, but we've been driving really hard on having a positive attitude and driving the energy around the club. And with a lot of young boys as well, they bring a lot of energy. So I think it's been pretty good this week, and we're just optimistic with all the opportunities we get with new people coming in, new roles played, and that sort of thing. So wherever people get to play and get to move to is pretty exciting. 

“Obviously, sometimes it is hard to (drive that positivity) and you’ve almost got to fake it ‘til you make it a bit. We played a few games throughout the early stages of the week, a bit of basketball, three-point contests, that sort of stuff we've done early in the week. And the boys that are sore or injured are really good at checking in and making sure they keep their morale high as well.” 

Bergman on Fremantle’s form 
“They've been so good up until this point with what they're doing all around the field and their follow-up work around the contests, and they're so strong defensively, and then their offence is so dangerous as well. So for us, it's probably just a really good opportunity to have a good crack and come out firing from the start.” 

Bergman on Josh Carr’s message this week 
“We'll see what he brings to captain's run in a few days. But we sort of just talked about the opportunity we have with people moving roles and a few injured senior boys out. So it’s a chance for young boys to step up and have a good crack.” 

Bergman on his role 
“It's been pretty clear, pretty open. We've had good conversations about where the team needs me and where I'm feeling comfortable and best. So I think coming back from injury and slotting back into the back line was the best move, and I felt really comfortable back there. Like I said before, I trained with the mids this week, and we'll see what happens. But at the moment, I'm just really happy to be playing footy, and wherever they need me to play, I'm happy to play. So I just can't wait to get back to it this week. 

“Obviously, we'd love to have the boys still playing that are injured and have a strong team this week, but it gives opportunities for a lot of players to try different roles and have a good look. For me personally, I’ll just try and lead a little bit inside and bring a bit of that experience in there.” 

Bergman on how Zak Butters has handled his contract year 
“He’s handled it so well, and he's such a champion of the club. We love how he goes about it each week, and obviously he's had his surgery now, and he's on the road to recovery. But he's as eager as ever to try and get back to play again this year.” 

Bergman on his own contract status beyond 2027 
“I’ll let the footy play out, and just keep enjoying my time. I'm here and I’ll wait and see what happens. I don't think there's a rush. It feels good to just play footy and just focus on why I play footy and why I love it. So going week by week and just trying to enjoy your footy and play the best you can is sort of all you focus on.”