Port Adelaide defender Miles Bergman is reportedly prepared to put off contract talks amid a huge season for himself, and the club.
Bergman is set to enter 2025 with no deal beyond the season, and following the official announcement of the coaching succession plan that will see Ken Hinkley hand the reins over to Josh Carr, the emerging star has reportedly pressed pause on any negotiations.
The 23-year-old was heavily courted by Victorian clubs in 2023, with Collingwood putting forth a lucrative deal to lure him back to his home state.
Bergman opted to sign for another two years at the Alberton club, holding off rivals for the minute.
The Sandringham Dragons product has played 83 games for the Power after being taken with Pick 14 in the 2019 National Draft, rarely missing a contest since joining the senior side.
But as he did during his last contract negotiations, AFL Media is reporting that Bergman will take a similar approach to his next contract, who is "more likely to wait until closer to the mid-point of this season before focusing on his decision".
Bergman has been deployed at halfback during his time under Hinkley at Port Adelaide, but has shown both a keen interest and skillset that can be pushed further up the ground.
Standing at 189cm, the No.14 poses as the modern-day midfielder, having both a bigger body and power that can be utilised in the contest.
The Power would be desperate to keep the Victorian after they recently lost Dan Houston to the Pies in the most recent trade period, leaving a gaping hole the size of a two-time All-Australian.
Port Adelaide will also need to find room for fellow out of contracts: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Dylan Williams, Ivan Soldo, Jase Burgoyne, Jed McEntee, Josh Sinn, Kane Farrell, Ryan Burton and an intriguing call on club great Travis Boak.
