Port Adelaide defender Josh Sinn says Todd Marshall could become a "very important part of our backline" in 2026 as he overcomes an Achilles injury.
Marshall missed the entire 2025 campaign dealing with the "severe" injury, but has made impressive strides over the pre-season in his new role.
The 27-year-old has spent the first eight years of his career playing as a forward, kicking 159 goals in 116 games, including 45 majors in 2022.
But under the direction of new coach Josh Carr, as well as former Eagles assistant, Luke Webster, Marshall has switched to the opposing end.
"Todd's been down back," Sinn revealed.
"Achilles is a big injury, and if he gets back to anywhere near his best, he won't be just pushing for selection, but he'll be a very important part of our backline.
"The way we got to manage his expectations, coming back from an Achilles, because it's quite severe, but he's done everything right to get back."
Sinn also spoke on other "minor adjustments" that have revolved around the club's defence, which lacked stability in 2025, conceding 92.9 points per game.
"There's minor adjustments, and it's probably more towards our defence," the 23-year-old said.
"As a defender, it's quite exciting. We're going to be a more connected unit down back, and even team defence in general, it's going to be a lot more fluid. It'll help our offence considerably.
"The way that (Josh) Carry has been able to bring in all these new coaches, and the energy they've been able to bring to the program, has been pretty special. I honestly didn't think the change would be this significant."
Sinn broke through in Ken Hinkley's side last year after struggling with his body since being drafted with Pick 12 in 2021, playing 20 matches.
He was rewarded with a two-year extension, taking him until the end of 2027, and is looking to continue his impressive form into the new year.
"It almost feels like I've had a fresh start," Sinn said.
"In a sense, coming into a new contract, new coach, I feel like I was able to put a lot of my injuries, and the way my first few years went, behind me.
"Last year was more of a thing that I know I can play at the level, and my body won't break down every time I try and push to that level."
The Power will take on cross-town rivals Adelaide in February as part of their 2026 preparations before an organised pre-season clash against West Coast on March 1.
