PORT Adelaide has inked new deals with another three out-of-contract players.
Rugged on-baller Matt Thomas has re-signed with the club, as have young midfielders Matt Broadbent and Mitch Banner.
Thomas, 23, who inherited Michael Wilson’s number 21 guernsey at the beginning of last season, played 20 games for the Power this season taking his overall tally to 49 since debuting for the club in 2006.
Power football operations manager Peter Rohde says the club is thrilled to have re-signed the tough midfielder.
“Matt is a great role model around the club and sets great standards on the training track,” Rohde said.
“He has worked very hard to overcome his injury concerns and was suitably rewarded by playing 20 of a possible 22 games this season, his best return by a long way.
“Our supporters love the way he plays his footy and we look forward to Matt continuing his development while maintaining his physical brand of footy.”
Thomas says he’s delighted to extend his career at the Power.
“I love playing here at Port Adelaide and have made some great friends along the way,” Thomas said.
“I’m very grateful for the support the club has provided me over the years and I look forward to continuing to developing my game and playing my role within our exciting, young team.
“It’s also an exciting place to be around with so much happening off-field under Mark Haysman and Brett Duncanson. The club is really headed in the right direction and it’s a great time to be involved.”
Broadbent, 20, has played 14 games for Port Adelaide since making his debut in Round 16 last season against West Coast.
Rohde says that Broadbent is a very popular figure at Alberton, amongst both the playing group and the supporters.
“Matt is another player who is very well-liked by our supporters in the way he goes about his footy and is extremely popular amongst the playing group as well,” said Rohde.
“He’s developed into a very flexible player who can play both forward and back and can also push through the midfield.
“Matt has a great work ethic and we look forward to him getting another pre-season under his belt and continuing his development.”
Broadbent says that he’s looking to build on his good form in the back half of this season.
“My two seasons here at the Power have been outstanding for my development and I look forward to having another big pre-season and establishing my spot in the team,” Broadbent said.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunities the coaching staff has given towards the end of this season and I look forward to repaying their faith in me.”
Banner, 20, has chalked up 10 games for the Power since making his debut in this season’s Round 1 victory over North Melbourne.
Rohde says that Banner continues to improve in all areas of his game and will look to build on his fitness again this pre-season.
“Mitch has shown considerable improvement over his two seasons at the club,” Rohde said.
“He provides a different mix for us through the midfield and has demonstrated an ability to push forward and kick goals.
“We look forward to him having another solid pre-season and continuing to develop in all areas of his game.”
Banner says that he’s excited to be staying at Alberton amongst a young, developing list.
“The club has provided me with great support over the last couple of years and I’ve forged a great bond with all the players,” Banner said.
“I strongly believe that we’re heading in the right direction with a great group of young players coming through and I want to be part of this group moving forward.”
Please note that the Port Adelaide Football Club has a policy not to reveal specific details of player contract extensions (e.g. length).
