Port Adelaide midfielder Hamish Hartlett has confirmed his commitment to the club by signing a contract extension.
This comes just a week after captain Dom Cassisi re-signed with Port Adelaide ensuring he will be a one-club player.
Hartlett, 21, has played 32 games for the Power since making his debut in 2009 after originally being drafted from West Adelaide via pick four at the 2008 AFL National Draft.
He enjoyed a consistent season last year winning the Gavin Wanganeen Medal as the club’s best rising talent.
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In February, Hartlett was promoted to the Power’s leadership group for 2012, joining captain Dom Cassisi, vice-captain Travis Boak and fellow leaders Jackson Trengove and Jay Schulz.
Port Adelaide senior coach Matthew Primus says he is delighted that Hartlett has re-committed to the club.
“We’ve put a lot of time and effort into developing Hamish and we know he is a special talent so we’re rapt that he has re-signed with the club,” said Primus.
“He showed on the weekend the ability he has by foot and we need to keep giving him an opportunity through the midfield so he can continue to develop and learn his craft.
“And of course it’s exciting for the club that another one of our young players has re-committed. It’s just another example of the mateship that exists within this group and that they really want to develop together. Hamish is definitely a part of that.”
Primus says Hartlett demonstrated outstanding leadership skills over the pre-season and will become a key component of the club’s leadership group moving forward.
“As a leader, Hamish has a strong view on issues and is not frightened to voice his opinion,” said Primus.
“He sets the standard with his preparation and professionalism and he won’t stand for people not giving themselves the opportunity to be the best they can.
“He’s still got a lot to learn but he’s on the right track to being a very good leader and we’re delighted that he’s staying on at Alberton.”
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Hartlett says he had no hesitation in re-committing to the club and he’s relieved to reach an agreement so early in the season. “There was no doubt whatsoever that I was going to stay here at Port Adelaide,” said Hartlett.
“I love the club and I’ve loved it ever since I arrived here. So there was no doubt at all and to be able to stay here in my home town with my family and friends was an added bonus.
“And it’s good to get the contract sorted out early in the season so I can just focus on playing my role for the team and help us get some more wins on the board.”
Hartlett says he’s buoyed that so many of his younger team mates have also recently re-committed and that he’s very excited about the future direction of the club.
“There were some really positive signs at the end of last season with so many young players re-committing to the club,” said Hartlett.
“I know we have a really exciting future. I’ve got great confidence in where Matty and the coaches are taking us and I know the whole group is really looking forward to what we can achieve in the next few years.”
