Dixon keen to play on

Charlie Dixon in action for Port Adelaide. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

PORT Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon is eyeing a new deal with the AFL club, adamant he’s got up to four years of football left in him.

The hulking 32-year-old has battled a raft of injury setbacks throughout his dozen seasons at the top level, including an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first 10 rounds last year.

But Dixon, who will be a restricted free agent if he remains unsigned at the end of this season, insists he’s feeling “different to last year” and has opened initial talks about a new contract with the Power.

“I’ve missed a fair bit of footy so I think I’ve still got a fair bit in me,” Dixon said on Wednesday.

“They’ve sort of said that they’re keen to keep me on but … we’ll just see how we go throughout the year.”

Dixon, who moved from Gold Coast to Port Adelaide at the end of 2015, has been restricted to 189 games across 12 seasons in the AFL and is determined to squeeze every last drop out of his career.

“I want to go out knowing that I’m done,” Dixon said.

“If I go out and I’ve still got that edge, I’ll probably regret that.

“I still think I’ve got, after this year, maybe a couple more years, if not three, hopefully. If the body holds up.”

Dixon played in the ruck for much of last season after a shoulder injury sidelined first-choice ruckman Scott Lycett and expects his versatility to be called on again.

“I’m willing to do whatever the team needs me to do,” Dixon said.

“If they want me to play ruck a little bit more or more forward, I’ll do whatever suits.”

Lycett is primed to return in 2023 as Port Adelaide seeks a return to finals action.

But fellow tall Jeremy Finlayson hit a hurdle this month, suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury that could sideline him for the start of the season.

The Power host premiership contenders Brisbane at Adelaide Oval in Round 1.

(C) AAP 2023