Young defenders Troy Chaplin and Jacob Surjan have signed new two-year deals with the Port Adelaide Football Club.

It means both players are contracted to Port Adelaide until the end of the 2009 season. The duo both received an AFL Rising Star nomination in Season 2006 and are now integral parts of Port Adelaide’s youthful side building towards the club’s next premiership.

Hailing from North Ballarat and arriving at Alberton in 2003, Chaplin played his first match with the Power in 2004 after being a first round draft pick in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft. At just 21 years of age, Chaplin displays great leadership qualities both on and off the field.

Chaplin said he couldn’t be happier with the new contract and the club’s direction.

“It’s great. Obviously we’re heading in the right direction. We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience and I want to be involved with a club that’s going to be successful in the next few years,” Chaplin said, “and to sign is great personally because I’ve always said that I want to be a one club player.”

Surjan was selected by the Port Adelaide Football Club in the 2004 NAB AFL Pre-season Draft. Like Chaplin, Surjan debuted in 2004 and had a breakthrough year in 2006. That year he played 15 of 22 games and was an AFL Rising Star nominee in round 11 when he collected a career-high 26 disposals.

In 2007 Surjan has taken his game to a new level. His pace out of defence has been the catalyst for many attacking plays and that same pace has also seen him spend time in the midfield.

“It’s very exciting, we’ve got a great up and coming list and I’m really looking forward to some success in the near future,” Surjan said.

“Some of the young guys that are coming through and playing good footy are real positives. We’ve got a great learning environment which is good to be a part of.”

Coach Mark Williams said the re-signing of Surjan and Chaplin pointed towards a positive future.

“Troy’s a player who has really come along at our club. His development and maturity is there for all to see. On-field Troy has been handed some pretty big jobs and he’s been able to rise to the task,” Williams said.

“It’s great for the club and for Troy to re-sign but I’m sure he’s aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Being part of such a young side and someone that is now aligned with the club and its exciting future, Troy displays the characteristics of someone who will play an important role within the team.

“Surj had a couple of opportunities early in his time at the Power. Last year though he started to back himself a bit more and make the most of his opportunities.

“Looking ahead, Jacob is another player who will play a key part in the progress of a young team. His enthusiasm and positive outlook is great for teammates during a game and out on the training track.”