Young Port Adelaide flanker Jackson Mead is the latest Power talent set for a position switch as the shape of new coach Josh Carr's maiden squad begins to unfold.
Mead, who has spent six seasons at Alberton as a midfield or wing option, is set to feature across half-back in 2026, slotting into a role that will likely allow Miles Bergman to feature further up the field.
The Power are expected to resume with captain Connor Rozee featuring across the defensive line following his own move from midfield last year, while tall forward Todd Marshall is another fresh face set to be spotted in the rearguard after a year on the sidelines.
For Mead and the remainder of Carr's playing group, an "emphasis" has been set on forging a more physical game style following a disappointing 2025 season that saw the South Australian club net nine wins.
Having been "bullied" by better clubs last year, the desire to add size will buoy Mead's move to the backline as the Power place a focus on strengthening their game at the contest.
"There's been a bit of an emphasis to get bigger and stronger as a whole group," Mead told media on Monday.
"In the contest, we got bullied a little bit last year and probably the last few years. So it was an emphasis for the whole group to attack the gym and really get after it.
"But obviously, me just getting older, another year, another pre-season, that obviously helps quite a bit as well."
Mead has been left excited by the move to defence, which was raised in his exit meeting over the off-season following a three-game spell in a similar role to conclude 2025.
The 24-year-old has noted that the club has a strong crop of dashing defensive options to consider, which offers both a challenge at selection and avenues for mentorship.
"It's obviously an emphasis on contest, so I really thrive on that. And obviously, using my skills and probably going at the game a bit more, I think it helps me just to be a bit more direct and get the ball moving forward rather than sideways. So that's something that I've been working on over the last six weeks of training," Mead said of his prospects.
"I'm really enjoying it. We've got a good group down there to learn from. We've got Kane Farrell and Connor Rozee, who are exceptional high half-backs. So a lot of good characters to learn from there.
"I'm happy to play wherever. I've played, obviously, mid and wing for a bit over the last few years, and then started up half forward as well. I'm really enjoying playing at half back at the moment."
The Power are set to suit up for a match simulation session with Adelaide on February 20 before their Community Series clash with West Coast in early March.
Carr's tenure will officially get underway on March 15 against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
