PORT Adelaide has locked up emerging ruckman Peter Ladhams and exciting young forward Todd Marshall until the end of 2022.
Ladhams – off-contract at the end of this year – has put to pen to paper to a three-year extension, while Marshall has signed a two-year deal.
Peter Ladhams with Cam Sutcliffe after their first win in Power colours. Picture: AFL Photos
Ladhams, 21, has spent the past three seasons on the Power's rookie list and the club's patience has paid off with the 203cm big man showing promise in his three games this season.
He played a pivotal role in the Power's big win over Essendon last weekend, finishing with 18 disposals, 22 hitouts and seven clearances after replacing recruit Scott Lycett.
Ladhams had reportedly attracted interest from rival clubs given the Power's surplus of ruckmen, but he said leaving never crossed his mind.
"There wasn't too much from my manager about other clubs," Ladhams said.
"I didn't play well in the SANFL last year and (Port) could've parted ways, but they showed faith.
"I always knew I had it in me, just had to fix a few things up.
"My professionalism has let me down in the past, so I've got that under control this year."
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Ladhams had the mantle of lead ruckman for the first time, with Paddy Ryder also coming into the team and Lycett missing out.
"That's helped me a bit, having that competition," Ladhams said.
"No-one can be complacent, you just have to keep working hard to earn your spot."
Ladhams re-signing with the Power makes it unlikely that Ryder – the 2017 All-Australian ruckman - will remain with the club next year.
The 31-year-old has been linked to Greater Western Sydney.
Ryder has been a valuable support to Marshall since the 20-year-old's father passed away last year.
"Me and Paddy have grown pretty close," Marshall said.
"I lean on him a bit, go to him whenever I want, catch up with him for coffees.
"Whatever he does, he'll do the best for him and his family."
Todd Marshall celebrates a goal against the Bombers. Picture: AFL Photos
Marshall kicked three goals in the win against the Bombers in his first game since round eight.
The 16th overall pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, the 198cm forward is a prodigious talent who admits his confidence was down earlier in the year, but praised coach Ken Hinkley for believing in him.
"I had a bit of a form slump in the middle of the year and wasn't hitting the scoreboard as much as I wanted," Marshall said.
"Kenny always says he loves the way I play and loves the stuff I create.
"If I can get the basics like working hard and keep pushing to the next contest, that faith gives me confidence."
The Power take on Sydney at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
