Port Adelaide's Jase Burgoyne has conceded the side's inexperience has played a role in their inability to close out tight games in 2026.
Expected to be a significant slider in 2026 under first year coach Josh Carr, the Power have pushed sides regularly, going down to Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and West Coast by three points or less.
“We're a young side and we're a bit inexperienced when it comes to those times. Late in games, we've probably shown how inexperienced we are, but slow starts as well is probably something we need to work on," Burgoyne said.
"But we're pretty confident that we can tinker a few things, and once we get those things right, then I think we'll be in a good spot moving forward.”
Sitting 3-6 with a percentage of 109, Carr has exceeded expectations early in his tenure, and caught the attention of the AFL world with his frank assessment of the Power's effort against Western Bulldogs.
Despite going down by two points, they never led and were hurt by a poor start.
“We knew we weren't playing our best footy and obviously, it's been really close the last couple of weeks. But it was, I guess, encouraging, knowing that what we weren't playing our best footy and we were still able to keep it close," Burgoyne said.
"(Josh Carr is) pretty level-headed and calm and I think the boys love that about him.”
Unsure if his position will change due to Miles Bergman's absence, Burgoyne is keenly awaiting the opportunity to face the Suns in Darwin, one of the toughest prospects in footy given Gold Coast's imperious record.
Averaging 19 disposals and three tackles, Burgoyne has shown his utility value in 2026.
“This year's been a bit different for me, actually. I've played everywhere. I go into games playing wing, and then I might play back, a bit of inside mid and a bit forward. And I really want to pencil myself into one position at the moment," he said.
"I like getting around everywhere and if I can be versatile and help the team out, I'm happy to do that.”
