Versatile forward Paul Stewart will remain at Port Adelaide until at least the end of 2016 after signing a two-year contract extension and turning his back on free agency.

It’s a significant announcement for the utility who has spent time in both the club’s AFL and SANFL sides throughout the year.

He returned to the Power’s line-up in Round 18 after recovering from a knee injury and stringing together several solid performances for the Magpies in the SANFL.

Stewart told portadelaidefc.com.au he was thrilled to be continuing his career with the club, having already clocked 81 games since debuting in 2008.

The 27-year-old arrived at Alberton with pick 23 in the 2006 National Draft – the same selection day which also netted the Power current captain Travis Boak and talented forwards Robbie Gray and Justin Westhoff.

“It was definitely one of the easiest decisions I’ve made in my time at the club,” Stewart said.

“It’s great to be basically a one-club player and the chance to stay here with family and friends made it a pretty straightforward call from my end.”

Despite an injury-hampered career, Stewart remains one of the Power’s more malleable players – capable of playing forward, through the midfield or down back – and his contract secures another critical signature to a list boasting a number of key re-signings in 2014.

Now he’s looking forward to seeing out his eighth season at the club and the future under Ken Hinkley.

“My year has been a bit up and down with injury but I’ve really enjoyed the chance to play at AFL level when I’ve been called up,” he said.

“I’ve got real trust in Ken Hinkley, Garry Hocking running the SANFL side and the direction the club is going with our footy structure.

“It’s been a great system for us as players to play to the same game plan in the SANFL and the AFL, and it’s good for our supporters who can see the Power play one day and then the Maggies the next.”

Hinkley himself praised the value Stewart offers the club, citing his desire to improve despite his injury setbacks in 2014 as important for not only the player, but the culture of the club.

“Stewy is a well-rounded team player who offers us a lot in terms of his ability to play many roles,” Hinkley said.

“He’s great for the culture of the group and he works relentlessly at improving his game.

"[Stewart] has played good footy in the Magpies and has been unlucky with injuries this year, but what we have seen is when he has come in, he’s stepped straight up to the level.”