A former Port Adelaide midfielder has found a new home for 2024.
The 19-year-old was one of seven players who did not receive a new contract with the Power this offseason.
Nathan Barkla, a delisted Port Adelaide midfielder, has returned to Woodville-West Torrens a year after joining the Power.
Barkla, a graduate of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy, joined the Power as a Category B Rookie in 2022 from the Eagles.
In his draft year, the teenager scored 20 disposals and 3.5 clearances for the Eagles’ Under-18s team to gain a position under senior coach Ken Hinkley at Alberton, but his stay with the Power would only last one season and without an AFL appearance.
The Eagles confirmed Barkla’s return this week, saying the youthful onballer will make “a big impact” at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval next year.
“The Woodville West Torrens Football Club will welcome home Eagles junior Nathan Barkla for season 2024,” according to a statement from the club.
“19-year-old Barkla was a member of our 2021 U18s Premiership team and was selected as a Category B rookie at the 2022 Rookie Draft through Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy – going on to play 18 League SANFL games for Port.”
“We look forward to the midfielder/defender having a big impact for the Eagles in 2024.”
This year, the Eagles ended ninth on the ladder, with six wins and 12 losses.
Barkla would play 15 games for the Port Adelaide Magpies at the SANFL level this year, averaging 7.5 touches and 3.3 tackles as a midfielder-defender in his maiden year with the club.
Among seven players delisted by the Power this off-season, Barkla has returned to Woodville-West Torrens for the 2024 season.
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