CAM SUTCLIFFE is enjoying every opportunity to impress at Port Adelaide after entering his ninth year at the senior level in 2020.
Sutcliffe - who was picked up in the mid-season rookie draft last year and played five games for the Power - says his body is in the best condition of his career and the versatile utility is hoping to have an impact in the club’s 150th anniversary year.
“I’m just taking every training session as it is,” Sutcliffe told media at a press conference at Alberton Oval on Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m pretty excited for the year ahead. My body has probably felt the best that it has up to this point in my nine years.
“If I can play well in the Marsh Cup and play well at the start of the year, then anything can happen from there.”
The 27-year-old said he has put some injury concerns behind him and is relishing having a full pre-season.
“Fitness was a big thing for me when I first started my career, but it sort of fell away a little bit,” Sutcliffe said.
“It’s not like I didn’t put in the effort, but it felt like it just stagnated a little bit. Injuries probably held me back at times too.
“After the camp and having a good off-season over Christmas - putting a few good sessions together there.
“I came back and ran a pb (personal best) and thought I’m in the best position I have put myself in, in the last nine years.”
Sutcliffe was originally picked up by the club to be the leadership player of the Magpies in 2019 but later found himself on the Power list, and he would like to emulate the senior role Jack Trengove played during his time at the club.
“I guess I saw that role a fair bit with Jack Trengove,” he said.
“Just the positivity that he could have around the group, and I want to do that as well.
“I love playing at SANFL level and I love playing at AFL level, so it doesn’t sit with me too badly if I’m playing either.
“If I can help those young guys who are coming through grow and play with them, then that’s my goal this year.”
