Port Adelaide young gun Miles Bergman has revealed he battled groin soreness for much of 2023 and even suggested he might need surgery at the end of this year.
Bergman was forced to punch above his weight last year with the Power’s defender crisis but still impressed as a utility down back. As Bergman, 22, notes himself, his kick and aerobic power are key standouts of his game.
Speaking to SEN WA Breakfast, Bergman, who came 8th in last year’s John Cahill Medal, revealed he battled soreness throughout the year.
“Early I was just trying to get my body (fit) because I had a few issues most of last year, although it didn’t really look like it I had a lot of groin pain,” he said of his 2023 season.
“So I was just trying to get them right. They’re still kind of around but just getting on top of them and getting fit and strong, making sure I get the most out of every session with skills and perfecting everything I want to perfect.
“I'm making sure my kicking is still elite and my running is great, so I can play any position they (coaches) need me.”
Bergman signed a two-year contract extension in June last year, turning his back on rival Victorian clubs that were keen to bring him back home.
After enjoying a strong pre-season, the 2019 first round draft pick is set to improve again in his fifth season at AFL level.
However, Bergman did hint that his groins still aren’t 100 per cent.
When asked why he didn’t opt for surgery at the end of 2023, Bergman responded: “We talked about surgery at the end of the year but at the end of the day the doctors decided eight weeks of complete rest would be good, which is what I did and then built back up from there.
“Hopefully that gets me through but I feel like I might have to check back in with surgery at the end of this year.”
Bergman played every game bar one in 2023, proving a constant force off half-back with a penetrating kick.
He averaged 13.8 disposals, 4.8 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s across the season.