Port Adelaide midfield coach Brett Montgomery has identified second-year defender Lachlan Jones as someone that could find his way into the Power's midfield at stages this season.
Over the course of the six games he played last year, the Port Adelaide Academy product impressed through the backline, averaging 13.7 disposals, 3.7 marks and two rebound 50s per contest.
Defender
Disposals
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Rebound50s
In addition to Jones, Montgomery also named 2019 draft selections Miles Bergman and Jackson Mead as players who could push into the midfield more often this upcoming season.
"[Jones, Bergman and Mead] come in with some prior learning and some prior experiences in a position because they've been a good player for a long time as a kid, but they're just traits when they get here that can be applied to any area," Montgomery told media on Thursday.
"So if I talk Lachie specifically, I've got no doubt that with some experience, some education and some exposure, I think Lachie Jones could make it in any area.
"I've got a keen eye on him for the midfield. I think he'll get his first start as a defender just because that's probably a bit fairer on him but like I said about those other young guys; why put a ceiling on these guys who have got exceptional talent?"
Taking into account Montgomery's words, the club looks to be searching through its list for the next wave of household-name Power midfielders.
2021 mid-season draftee Jed McEntee and this year's first draft selection Josh Sinn were also mentioned by Montgomery.
"Apart from those obvious guys that everyone loves to talk about, me included, in Xavier (Duursma), Connor (Rozee) and 'Buttsy' (Zak Butters), there's some young talent that hasn't had the looks that perhaps they've deserved," Montgomery added.
"Jed McEntee is another one that might get some time as well and then some newer players as well that we got into the club like Josh Sinn," Montgomery said.
"It's really exciting with the stocks. We've got to make sure they're ready. We don't want to displace any of the older players who have got all the runs on the board just for the sake of it but we think there is some merit in improving and in growing that group and making sure we can spread some load."
Port Adelaide are set to clash with Fremantle next month before playing against Adelaide at Richmond Oval for their AAMI Community Series match in early March.
The Power will then turn their attention to Round 1, where they will look to open their account for 2022 against Brisbane on Saturday, March 19 at the Gabba.
