FORMER Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak is set to play predominantly as a midfielder this season.
The 30-year-old spent most of his time across half-forward last year with spurts in the midfield, resulting in him averaging 21.9 disposals per game – his lowest mark since 2011.
But a switch back to an on-ball role worked wonders in last Saturday's JLT Community Series opener against Adelaide, with Boak racking up a team-high 27 disposals (10 contested possessions) and five Inside 50s in the 17-point loss to the Crows.
MATCH REPORT Betts sizzles as white-hot Crows smoke Port
"In my eyes, I would like to shift him more to midfield and going forward," Power midfield coach Jarrad Schofield said.
"That might swing that way a little bit, whereas previously, he's probably played more as that half-forward then pinch-hitting in the midfield.
"We'd like to maybe go the other way, play a bit more midfield and then go forward.
"You can't question his work ethic to get up and down the ground.
"He's got leg speed and he's got great experience.
"So, you put all of those things together and that's what I want as a midfield coach."
STRONGEST MIDFIELDS Every club's engine room ranked
The 243-game veteran captained the Power for six seasons from 2013 to 2018 before stepping down from the role at the end of last year.
Power ruckman Paddy Ryder will be assessed by the club's medical staff after rolling his ankle in the loss to the Crows.
Ryder could still play against North Melbourne at Alberton Oval on Saturday to give him more match practice.
"If he's right to go I'm sure he'll want to play, and we want to make sure we keep putting our best players out there," Schofield said.
"Once again, for that simple reason, that he and Scotty (Lycett) are building that good relationship on field.
"We'll get through his assessment and then we'll make a decision at match committee on Wednesday."
Experienced defender Matthew Broadbent will be in the mix after not playing against the Crows to manage his workload after returning from ankle surgery.
The Power's No. 12 overall draft pick, Zak Butters, is set to get another chance to impress after racking up 25 disposals and holding his own against a quality Crows midfield.
"He plays on instinct, which is what we like," Schofield said.
"He's got that real creative flair about him.
"He's compliant with his structure and you can't question his attack on the footy for a guy of his size."
JLT FULL FIXTURE Where your team's playing its warm-up games
Uncapped midfielder Willem Drew continues to knock the door down for a round one debut.
The 20-year-old missed last season with an Achilles injury, but is pushing his claims after 11 contested possessions and seven clearances against the Crows.
"There's a guy who's missed nearly 12 months of football, played in the under-23s trial, showed his real talent and clean hands in tight and he stepped up again against a quality midfield featuring the Crouch brothers and (Rory) Sloane," Schofield said.
"He's definitely putting his case forward, he's right in the mix and I'm sure he'll get another look this week."
Meanwhile, young key defender Riley Grundy will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after having surgery on an infected knee.
Grundy – the younger brother of Collingwood star Brodie – was selected by the Power with the 73rd pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
