WATCH highlights from Matt Broadbent's breakout season above on PTV. Can't view the video above? Watch on YouTube
EMERGING Port Adelaide midfielder Matthew Broadbent has signed a contract extension with the club.
Broadbent has played 47 games for the Power since debuting in 2009 after being drafted from Woodville-West Torrens as a third round pick (no. 38 overall) at the 2008 AFL National Draft.
Broadbent, who turns 22 at the start of next month, has enjoyed a break-out season playing all 15 games. In his last seven games, Broadbent has averaged 23 disposals including a 31-possession game in the Power’s 54-point Round 10 victory over Carlton.
Port Adelaide senior coach Matthew Primus says the club is thrilled that Broadbent has re-committed to the Power.
“Matthew has taken some big strides in his development this year and he has certainly stepped up as one of our key midfielders so we’re very excited that he sees his future with our club,” said Primus.
“He’s winning us a lot of inside football and also getting it on the outside so he’s becoming a very important player as to how we want to win the ball and move the ball.”
[ Video: Highlights of Broadbent's breakout season ]
Primus says Broadbent’s improvement in 2012 has come with improved confidence and a strong desire to improve all aspects of his game.
“The club has put a good football program around him and he’s worked diligently on his strengths and weaknesses to take his game to a higher level,” said Primus.
“Matthew’s terrific work ethic and desire to improve ensures he is a player that is highly regarded within the club and we’re all very proud of his improvement this year and look forward to his continual development.”
Broadbent says he is delighted to re-sign with Port Adelaide, the club he grew up supporting.
“I’m very excited to continue to be part of a football club that I love and have loved all my life,” said Broadbent.
“I grew up supporting Port Adelaide so to be given the chance to play here is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to repaying the club for the faith they’ve again shown in me.”
Broadbent says he had no hesitation in re-signing with Port Adelaide as he has great confidence in both the direction of the club and its ability to develop players.
“I’m very happy with the way my football is developing here at the club and I’m now starting to feel like I belong at AFL level as I gain more experience and confidence,” said Broadbent.
“And I can see the direction where Matty and the coaching group are taking our squad and I desperately want to be a part of that.
“We’ve got a real tight-knit group of young players at the club and despite the ups and downs that we’re experiencing at the moment we are all very confident that Matty is building a playing group that will ensure sustained success in the future.”
