Port Adelaide midfielder Dan Houston is excited about how his teammates have returned from their Christmas break.
Having begun match simulation, Houston says that the playing squad is firing fit and several young players have caught his eye at Alberton.
“Everyone has come back with a good fitness base,” Houston told Sportsday SA.
“Just the young players have really bounced back after the Christmas break, Jason Horne-Francis, (Zak) Butters, (Connor) Rozee, all of the likely types.
“Even the senior heads like Travis Boak are moving really nicely on the track and in match play today (Friday), they were excellent.
“I’m looking forward to seeing their progress throughout the year and over the next few weeks.”
While the Power already have an experienced list, new additions Horne-Francis and Willie Rioli will hope to force their way into the Round 1 line-up.
Houston says Horne-Francis is beginning to show why he was so highly touted as a youngster while Rioli shows off his skills in the pre-season.
“Jason Horne-Francis has just come out of rehab after having his knees cleaned out,” Houston said.
“He had a really solid hit out in match simulation, Ken (Hinkley) threw him straight into the guts and he was just really, really good around the footy.
“You can see why he was the number one draft pick – he moves well and uses the ball really, really nicely.
“Junior has come into the club as a high half forward and he’s silky smooth.
“I’m sure the forwards in front of him like big Charlie Dixon, Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades will be licking their lips when he has the ball in his hands.”
After finishing last season in 11th place, Houston says the Power are hoping to improve significantly as they arm themselves with a new “fast” gameplan.
“We’re looking to bounce back from last year and make a significant improvement on that,” Houston said.
“Not just myself, but everyone else at the club is looking to do that.
“The way we’re training at the moment, we want to be fast with the ball and I’m sure Power fans will be stoked to hear that.
“That’s what we’re looking to do, and we’ve got enough talent in the team now to play that style of footy and mix it with the best.”
Port Adelaide kicks off its 2023 season when they host Brisbane at the Adelaide Oval on March 18.