Delisted Port Adelaide midfielder Nathan Barkla has returned to Woodville-West Torrens a year on from his move to the Power.
Barkla, a graduate of Port Adelaide's Next Generation Academy, joined the Power from the Eagles as a Category B Rookie in 2022.
The teenager recorded 20 disposals and 3.5 clearances for the Eagles' Under-18s side in his draft year to earn a spot under senior coach Ken Hinkley at Alberton, however, his time with the Power would last just one season and without an AFL debut.
Barkla would play 15 games for the Port Adelaide Magpies at the SANFL level this year, averaging 7.5 touches and 3.3 tackles as a midfielder-defender in his maiden year with the club.
Among seven players delisted by the Power this off-season, Barkla has returned to Woodville-West Torrens for the 2024 season.
The Eagles confirmed the return of Barkla this week, with the young onballer set to have "a big impact" at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval next year.
"The Woodville West Torrens Football Club will welcome home Eagles junior Nathan Barkla for season 2024," a club statement read.
"19-year-old Barkla was a member of our 2021 U18s Premiership team, and through Port Adelaide's Next Generation Academy was selected as a Category B rookie at the 2022 Rookie Draft – going on to play 18 League SANFL games for Port.
"We look forward to the midfielder/defender having a big impact for the Eagles in 2024."
The Eagles finished eighth on the ladder this year, recording six wins and 12 losses.
