MIDFIELDER Steven Salopek has signed a new deal with the Port Adelaide Football Club.
Salopek, 25, has played 109 games with the Power since debuting in 2003.
Recruited as a 17-year-old with Pick 6 in the 2002 NAB AFL National Draft, Salopek had been contemplating a return to his native Victoria for family reasons.
Salopek says it’s a great relief to have made the decision.
“We took plenty of time because this was really a family lifestyle decision for me and (wife) Alice and both our families,” Salopek said.
“While it was a hard decision, we really like Adelaide and what we have here, and we love the players and staff at the club, so going home can wait until after football.
“It was never a decision about football, because I just love the Port Adelaide footy club and where it’s heading.”
Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus says he’s delighted Salopek has decided to stay.
“As a club we’re really excited that Steven has chosen to recommit to Port Adelaide,” Primus said. “At 25 and with 100 games under his belt he’s now set for his best years of his football life and will be an important part of our young midfield rotation.
“’Sal’ is also a quality young man with great values in life, and that is important for us and the culture we are building here.
“It’s a great testament to the club and its direction that we’ve been able to keep highly talented young men from interstate like Sal, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray and Matt Thomas when they could all easily have returned home this year.”
Salopek underwent a shoulder reconstruction after round 16 and is back in training, running and bike riding.
Please note the Port Adelaide Football Club has a policy to not release the details of player contracts e.g. length of contract
