Jackson Mead Biography

Jackson Mead is set to play a new role in defence at Port Adelaide in 2026.

"We sort of posed a question in my exit meeting last year; I have been playing as a midfielder for the last six years, training there, and always game day ... ended up on a wing or half forward. So, we just asked the question, how can I better use my time and either train fully as a wing or how about playing half back?," Mead said.

"I feel like ... I've got good traits where I can slot in there and add to the team."

Jackson Mead makes his AFL debut for Port Adelaide at the Gabba with 10 disposals (6 kicks and 4 handballs), 2 marks and 3 tackles in a 11-point loss to Brisbane.

Port Adelaide nominate Jackson Mead, son of former Power player Darren Mead, as a father-son selection.

The paperwork gives the club the option of matching or leaving a bid for the midfielder/half-forward.

Jackson Mead, the son of Darren Mead, an original Power player who won the club's first best and fairest in 1997, says his preference would be to get picked up as a father-son selection by the Power.

"We have one room at home dedicated to all of Dad's Magpies' flags and all of that stuff, and there's a few medals of his hanging around," Jackson said.

"He's been great. Ever since I started growing up and playing footy, kicking the footy in the backyard, he's been magnificent in helping me get better.

"He'd love it [if I went to Port Adelaide] and it would be great for me to play and continue the Mead name at Port Adelaide – or anywhere I go, I suppose. I'm keen to play the year out and see how it goes.

"If Port want me it's their decision. I can't really control that, it's their decision, so I just have to continue to play well."

Port Adelaide is set to gain access to one of this year's most highly rated father-son prospects.

Midfield jet Jackson Mead has emerged as a potential top-30 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft pool, enjoying a promising start to his 2019 campaign.

The talented teenager is the son of inaugural Port Adelaide best and fairest winner Darren Mead, who played 122 AFL games for the club between 1997 and 2002. He was also a three-time premiership player with Port Adelaide's SANFL side in the 1990s.

Mead's promising start to the year has been rewarded with his selection in a 26-man Australian under-18s side, which is set to play the Casey Demons' VFL team at the MCG on April 20.