Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee believes his side is capable of surging up the ladder next year and convincing star midfielder Zak Butters to recommit to the club long-term.
Butters is among the most high-profile AFL players out of contract at the end of 2026, and has a host of Victorian clubs eager to lure him back to his home state.
The 25-year-old free agent - a three-time reigning best-and-fairest winner - is set for a year in the spotlight as he takes time to make a call on his playing future.
Rozee is eager to do all he can to boost the Power's prospects of retaining the services of his midfield partner and close friend.
"His personality type is he's going to give his absolute all every week, no matter what," Rozee told reporters on Monday.
"Our job as a football club is to give him the best opportunity to win, the best environment around the club and put the right people around him to make him want to be here.
"My job is to play good footy, be a good friend and give him a lot of reasons to stay."
Port finished 13th with a 9-14 record last season and see on-field improvement under new senior coach Josh Carr as a key part of their bid to re-sign Butters.
"It is (important) every year for most people, I think, no matter who they are," Rozee said.
"He's obviously super competitive, so I'm sure if we win a lot of games this year it might help a bit."
Carr has taken the reins from long-time mentor Ken Hinkley and has a new-look coaching panel at his disposal, led by fresh additions Andy Collins, Stuart Dew, Luke Webster and Darren Reeves.
Rozee is excited by what the new coaches can offer and is hopeful of a return to September action after reaching a preliminary final in 2023.
"We clearly didn't finish the way we would've liked last year, so we're here to work hard and go as far as we can next year," Rozee said.
"Watching finals is certainly a lot tougher than playing in it, but to be honest, I think it will hold us in good stead in the long run.
"It puts a bit of fire in your belly to want to get back there as quickly as possible and I'm pretty sure we've got the list to do it."
Port open their 2026 campaign away to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 15.
