JUSTIN WESTHOFF has returned to the Port Adelaide Football Club in a development role to help nurture the talented players coming through the club’s Next Generation Academies.

Westhoff retired at the end of last season after 280 games. The 2018 John Cahill Medallist is ranked third for AFL games played for the club.

After his departure, the 34-year-old described his feeling of relief at not having to endure another pre-season but his absence was short lived.

He returned last week to start work as the club’s coach of its Next Generation Academies.

“The opportunity arose after the season finished up and I jumped at the chance to come back and still be involved with the boys but take on a different role with the Next Gen and Father-Son programs,” Westhoff explained to portadelaidefc.com.au.

“It’ll be great to mentor those guys and give them the best chance to progress through the AFL system.

“It makes the transition out of playing a bit easier for me in that I still get to be around the place.”

Westhoff was drafted to the club in the 2006 AFL National Draft with pick 71 and won the Gavin Wanganeen Medal as the best player under 21 in his first season.

He expects his experience across 14 years of AFL football and existing relationships with players will also prove valuable when he assists the club’s Head of Player Welfare and Development, Paul Stewart, in the player welfare space.

“Having been in the system for a period of time you also know the ins and outs of what it takes, and what I think are the best ways to help players progress,” Westhoff explained.

“Towards the end of my career I became really passionate about player welfare and helping the other guys in that space so when this opportunity came up, it seemed perfect to be able to fine-tune my skills with the young guys and it’s exciting to see some prospects coming through.”

Westhoff plans to get to as many matches involving NGA and Father-Son players as possible to act as a mentor and offer advice when needed.

And he hit the ground running in his new role, keeping tabs on Father-Son prospect Jase Burgoyne as he joined the playing group at Alberton last week.

“He’s an example of the Next Generation and Father-Son academies coming together and is an exciting talent,” Westhoff said.

“It’s good to give him a taste of the environment. He had a really good year last year and we’ll be looking to see him progress again this year.

“I’m looking forward to work with him and I think the club will be keen to see his development.”

Jase Burgoyne is eligible as a Father-Son selection for Port Adelaide at this year’s national draft.