PORT ADELAIDE ruckman Peter Ladhams says he is thrilled with the faith the club has shown in him after signing a three-year contract to remain at Alberton.

Ladhams - who made his AFL debut against Hawthorn in Round 10 - feared he may have been delisted at the end of last year, after being on the rookie list for two seasons.

“The reason I wanted to stay was because of the faith Port has showed in me,” Ladhams said at a press conference at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday afternoon.

“I didn’t really play well in the SANFL last year and they could’ve easily moved me on, but they showed faith and gave me an extra year.

“Now I am over the moon to sign a three-year deal.”

Ladhams, 21, has enjoyed a strong season at SANFL level, averaging 21 disposals, 20 hit-outs and a goal per game.

The 202-centimetre ruckman says a number of changes in his personal life and professionalism around the club have contributed to his transformation.

“I always knew I had it in me,” Ladhams said.

“I just had to fix a few things up, like my professionalism which has let me down a little bit in the past. I have that under control this year and it has helped me in a huge way.

“The biggest thing for me was that I moved out of home this year - I’m living with Billy Frampton now. It’s made me grow up.

“Also, my body prep stuff. Getting my body right for games - the past two years I’ve had some niggles, but this year I haven’t.

“I had a good pre-season which has led into the season, which has been good.”

Ladhams took the number one ruck mantle against Essendon in Port’s 59-point victory on Saturday afternoon, and says he has come a long way over his football journey.

“It was awesome to lead the ruck on the weekend,” he said.

“It was a dream come true, something I wasn’t really expecting from the position I was in last year.

“I think I’ve worked pretty hard this year, and I’m pretty proud of what I’ve done.”

With a number of quality big men in the Power squad, Ladhams says it’s a really strong position for the club to be in with players really having to earn their spot.

He says with the improvement in his game in 2019, he can see more opportunity in the senior side moving forward.

“I think there’s an opportunity, whether it be forward or ruck to play at AFL level,” he explained.

“Having the competition for spots has helped me a bit. No one can become complacent, and you have to keep working hard to earn your spot.”