Westhoff and Moore Recommit
Port Adelaide has added to its list of re-signings, with Justin Westhoff and promising utility Andrew Moore both committing to the club
PORT Adelaide has added to its list of re-signings, with forward Justin Westhoff and promising utility Andrew Moore both committing to the club.
Westhoff has agreed to the terms of a new three-year deal, while Moore will remain at Alberton for at least another two years.
Westhoff and Moore join defensive duo Jackson Trengovestrong> and Alipate Carlile in re-signing with the Power in the past fortnight.
It had been rumoured Moore, who was selected with pick No. 9 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, was contemplating a return to Melbourne.
On Wednesday, the 20-year-old denied he considered leaving, saying the only reason he delayed negotiations was to focus on overcoming the persistent groin injuries that have limited him to 13 games in two seasons with the Power.
"It was quite an easy decision for me to stay on at Port Adelaide," Moore said.
"I spoke to my parents to see what they had to say and they backed me in.
"I've loved the club from day dot and am looking forward to the future."
Moore has been plagued by osteitis pubis and groin soreness since making his debut against North Melbourne in round one last year.
Moore, the younger brother of Richmond defender Kelvin, was limited to only six appearances this season.
He had surgery on both groins earlier this month, and said he was confident he would be ready for the start of pre-season training.
"It's been difficult, but I think I'm over that part of it," Moore said.
"I had an operation on my groins a couple of weeks ago and I think that'll be my last operation to try and settle them down.
"Once I get that free run and am ready to go without an injuries or soreness, I'm looking forward to playing some consistent football and hopefully proving why I'm here."
Westhoff has played 88 games since being drafted with pick No. 71 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
The 24-year-old played in a Grand Final in his debut season at the club in 2007, and said he was desperate to experience more finals action after four years out of the top eight.
"To have that taste [a grand final] in my first year … it drives you to get the club back to where it should be and that's at the top of the table," Westhoff said.
"We're putting things in place at the moment, which we think can take us there in the future.
"Probably, the only thing that can come out of the last two months is that we're playing these kids and they're looking pretty good."
Port Adelaide will finish its most disappointing season against Melbourne in a historic match at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
The Power, currently languishing in last place on the AFL ladder, must beat the Demons and rely on Hawthorn overcoming Gold Coast to avoid their first wooden spoon.
"It's a massive motivation," Westhoff said of avoiding the wooden spoon.
"The club's never been in that position and finished bottom in any year.
"It would be very disappointing if we got the wooden spoon. To know what this club is all about and the success that it has had … to finish bottom is probably a stake to the heart."
Port Adelaide trained at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday ahead of the clash with the Demons.
The club is still sweating on the fitness of retiring ruckman Dean Brogan, who must overcome a nagging calf complaint to play in his farewell game on Sunday.
Westhoff said out-of-favour midfielder Kane Cornes "deserved another chance" after showing good form in the SANFL, but it appears unlikely he'll be recalled.
The 199cm forward/wingman said the team was desperate to win for Brogan, and the club's supporters on Sunday.
"We're very excited to get out there and play on a great ground like Adelaide Oval," he said
"I've played here before back in my Centrals days and loved it.
"Hopefully, we can build a winning culture here. The first game is always important. It would be very nice to win and take that into next year."
Katrina Gill covers Port Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill