Port Adelaide star’s audition to Victorian club amid gaping positional hole

Miles Bergman has longed for an opportunity to go into the midfield, and during Saturday's Showdown, was deployed to hinder Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson.

Port Adelaide didn't get the result they wanted, but in the five-point defeat, Bergman, who had been used by Ken Hinkley only once in the midfield in 2025, played 82 per cent of the centre bounces, opposite to Dawson.

It was the sixth time in his career, according to WheeloRatings, that he was used inside the centre square.

Bergman gathered 23 disposals (13 contested possessions), eight tackles, eight inside 50s, seven score involvements and six clearances. But more importantly, limited the Crows' skipper to 14 touches (57.1 per cent effectiveness), five clearances and four score involvements.

MILES BERGMAN
Defender

Port Adelaide

ROUND 9 STATS

5
Marks

23
Disposals

8
Tackles

It was this kind of performance from Bergman that has St Kilda, who have seemingly declared their interest in luring the Bayside product home, licking their lips.

Bergman, who delayed contract talks into later in the season, entered the year without a deal for 2026 and beyond, giving rivals, including the Western Bulldogs, an opportunity to pitch him.

The Saints are in desperate need to bolster their midfield stocks, who on Friday night against Carlton, looked one-paced, losing the clearance 43-33, and on average in 2025, have failed to match their opponents.

Youngsters Hugo Garcia and Hugh Boxshall have been given more responsibility in recent weeks, while skipper Jack Steele continues to soldier on in a modern game that demands line-breaking speed and skill through the midfield.

St Kilda is hopeful that Mattaes Phillipou will become the next Marcus Bontempelli, while recruit Jack Macrae, although performing at All-Australian levels, won't be around for the club's next genuine premiership tilt.

Bergman is entering his prime and has proven to be a dual-position player, but with Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera on the half-back, there's a gaping positional hole at centre bounce that needs filling.

The Power are desperate to keep the Victorian at Alberton, but could see an opportunity to lure Wanganeen-Milera back to his home state in a trade deal set for October.

It is understood that Port Adelaide has put forth a monster offer to the Saints' half-back, who is also weighing up deals from the Crows and the Moorabbin club.

The Power don't have a first-round selection in this year's draft, but given the heavy interest in Bergman, talks can progress quicker than most.