KEEN onlookers at Port Adelaide training this last two weeks might have noticed a couple of unfamiliar faces on the track - one with a very familiar name.

Next Generation Academy products Nathan Barkla and Harper Montgomery were invited out to Alberton for a two-week AFL training placement under the watchful eye of NGA coach Justin Westhoff.

The 17-year-olds joined in most of the drills, including in the physically and mentally testing “camp week”.

For Montgomery, the son of 2004 premiership defender and current midfield coach Brett Montgomery, backing up each day after gruelling physical challenges has been the biggest test.

“It’s been challenging but nothing I didn’t want to do,” the younger Montgomery explained.

“It’s been hard, especially this camp week. It’s all about the mental strength and pushing through.

“My legs have been aching in the morning and having all of those repeated sessions and gym sessions has been tough.

“But, I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I’ve always loved the club and wanted to train with the boys, to be part of the group so I feel like this is a step in the right direction and good exposure for me.”

Montgomery plays off half back with North Adelaide in the SANFL under 18s.

He said having his dad at training has been a positive, although he has mostly been left alone to fit in amongst the group.

“Some people might think it would be annoying (having their dad at training) but I like having a mentor and getting feedback on what I can improve on and what I’m doing well,” Harper Montgomery said of working with his dad.

“I love having him here.

“It doesn’t give me any more pressure (being a potential father-son), but I’m lucky to get more exposure (to the program) so they can follow me and see what I can do.”

Barkla is part of the club’s Multicultural Next Generation Program because of his mother’s Filipino heritage.

The Port District and Woodville-West Torrens Under 18 player is treading a very similar path to recent draftee Jase Burgoyne, who also came through both set-ups.

Barkla knows there is a lot of work ahead if he wants to replicate Burgoyne’s achievement.

“It’s pretty good seeing Jase go through from Districts and the Eagles and at Port now,” he said.

“He’s someone – even though he went through the Father-Son set-up – that I can look to and think that maybe it’s possible for me.

“You know, it’s a goal I could reach.”

Also a half-back or midfielder, the teenager has described his two-week training block as “tough” but said he was thankful to the club and to the players for the opportunity and the support he had been provided with.

“It’s been tough. There are a few bigger bodies but I’ve been adapting to it,” Barkla said.

“It’s been pretty fast out there but once I got going the boys supported me really well. It’s been a good experience.

“Backing up has been challenging, especially this week in camp week with lots of running and lots of big hits.

“I’ve been lucky to have the boys pushing me through, and I’ve learnt about how important it is to communicate with your teammates and help each other.”

Both Barkla and Montgomery will be eligible for the 2022 AFL National Draft.