Forward Mitch Georgiades enjoyed a successful hit out against opposition in Friday evening's match simulation against Adelaide. Image: Michael Sullivan.

PORT ADELAIDE captain Connor Rozee was pleased to see Mitch Georgiades back in action in last Friday night’s match simulation against the Crows, saying the high-flying forward provides something different to the side’s offence.

Georgiades came on in the fourth of six periods and finished with three goals as he continues to push towards his AFL return following his long-term knee injury.

Asked about the West Australian’s showing at the annual AFL Captain's Day in Melbourne, Rozee said Georgiades was missed last season and could be a real asset for the side in 2024.

The new skipper also discussed the pressure that comes with wearing the iconic number 1 at Port Adelaide, his expectations for the side in 2024 and the fellow midfielders who have impressed him so far in pre-season.

Connor Rozee on wearing the number 1 as Port Adelaide captain in 2024:

“It feels a bit lighter than number 20. But yeah, I'm getting used to it a little bit. There's a bit of pressure that comes with that at Port Adelaide but it’s something I’m looking forward to, and I can’t wait to get into the season.

“It's probably just the things that come with a job, you know, having those tough conversations and people expecting results, and that sort of stuff. I guess it’s just taking that on the chin and just doing what I can to be the best person and player that I can for my football club.”

Connor Rozee on the advice he received from Ken Hinkley upon taking on the captaincy:

“Kenny is pushing me to really try and lead from the front in pre-season and drive the boys with our standards. So, I think we've got a great group that trains hard, but (he’s) sort of pushing me to come out of my shell a bit more and really drive that. It's been a little bit of a challenge, but I'm getting there slowly.”

Captain Connor Rozee pictured with coach Ken Hinkley and vice-captain Zak Butters. Image: AFL Photos.

Connor Rozee on his expectations for Port Adelaide in 2024:

“We've got some internal expectations. We want to win a premiership and obviously making the top four helps that so yeah, I think if we get off to a strong start, which we'll be planning to do, then hopefully we'll be back up at the top of the table again.”

Connor Rozee on Mitch Georgiades’ three-goal effort in Friday night’s pre-season match simulation:

“We've missed Mitch a fair bit in our team last year and I think he’ll be a great asset for us going forward as he provides something just a little bit different that we probably don't have in our forward line. It was great to see him have a really good hit-out, and I'm sure he'll be back in our lineup sooner rather than later.”

Connor Rozee on who has impressed him most in pre-season:

“I think everyone's had a strong pre-season but I think it’s been nice to see Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis getting real crack at a full pre-season. So, I’m sure they'd be fired up and ready to go for round one.”