JED McENTEE will continue his time with Port Adelaide after agreeing to terms on a two-year contract extension.

Having arrived at Alberton with the 13^th pick in the 2021 mid-year draft from Sturt in the SANFL, McEntee has become a key piece of the club’s forward line this season.

While he averages three tackles and a goal per game in 2023, the 22-year-old’s impact is measured beyond the stat sheet.

“I’m very excited to be part of this group and to have this opportunity,” McEntee said of his new contract.

“In the pre-season when I had a hamstring injury and then we had some new players like Junior (Rioli) and Frankie (Evans) coming in, I thought I’d struggle to get a game, so it’s hard to believe I’ve been playing regularly.

“Ken (Hinkley) and the coaches have been good at simplifying my role. It’s not about the touches or the goals, it’s about applying the pressure and helping the team, and hopefully I can keep doing that.”

Having struggled for AFL opportunity in his first season and a half on the Port Adelaide list, since coming into the side in Round 4, McEntee has played 13 consecutive games for 13 wins in 2023.

“Jed is a real success story for the mid-season draft and his contract extension is a credit to the work he has put in since coming to our club,” said Port Adelaide List Manager Jason Cripps.

“While he is quiet and unassuming off the field, he is a highly valued teammate through the pressure he puts on the opposition and the team-first acts he consistently produces that may not be recognised externally.”

McEntee debuted as the medical sub in Round 18, 2021 – his sole game that season.

Since then, he has booted 16 goals in his 23 career AFL games.