KEIRAN AGIUS is Port Adelaide’s tenth contracted Magpie for the 2016 SANFL season.
The former North Adelaide junior joined Port’s academy program in December and immediately caught the eye of the Magpies’ senior coaching panel.
With hard work on the track, the 18-year-old has taken the tenth position on the 15-player 'contract' list for the Magpies this season, meaning he will be eligible for League selection during the year.
“I was looking for a new start and thought with the Maggies was the place to be,” Agius told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Being part of the Aboriginal Academy last year I’ve been at the club every now and then, and then the chance to join the Academy team was offered, so I went away and thought about it and decided it was something I was very interested in.
“When I made the move, the first training here was pretty intense, but the boys got around me and made me feel really welcome – that’s something that I’ve loved, the culture.
“I don't mind starting off in the Academy, I just want to develop my skills and get a lot better and hopefully push for a League spot during the year."
Agius played primarily as a deep forward at both reserves and under-18 level for the Roosters last year.
But his 187cm of height and lean body profile are perfect for an athlete capable of playing across half forward and as a running option through the middle of the ground.
"I'm hoping to play higher this year, get a bit more run and hopefully help set up a few goals," Agius said.
Agius joins Magpies skipper Steven Summerton and fellow contract players Tom Gray, Sid Masters, Louis Sharrad, Luke Reynolds, Jonathon Ross, Anthony Biemans, Robbie Young and Tom Corcoran as eligible to play League football in 2016.
Port Adelaide has five places remaining on its contract list for 2016, however is only required to contract 10 by the start of the season.
Port Adelaide’s SANFL football manager Scott Peters says the Magpies will have the flexibility to upgrade other players during the year.
“We’ve locked 10 players away, and can upgrade five more before June 30 from our Academy list,” Peters said.
“The guys in the Academy who are working hard, but the new SANFL rules allow us to upgrade players through the season, instead of locking 15 away before Round 1.
“Keiran is an example of a player who has worked really hard in the pre-season to earn a contract, so he sets a good example.
“Chad [Cornes] is really happy with the way our Academy boys are going, and the upcoming trial games will be really important for them to put what they’ve been working on over the summer into action.”
Port Adelaide plays a trial game against the Adelaide Crows at Alberton on Saturday 27 February at 10:00am.
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