Recently re-signed Port Adelaide star Miles Bergman had a pointed message to teammate Zak Butters fresh after putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Bergman was highly sought after by a host of Victorian clubs, with the 23-year-old admitting there was a lure to return home.
However, the Sandringham Dragons product rejected advances from all rivals (namely St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Geelong), and signed a two-year extension (2027) when he qualifies for free agency status.
"I wouldn't say I ever felt like I was out the door," Bergman said.
"But there was definitely the lure of going home with family.
"They're just really excited, they're happy with whatever makes me happy."
And now he's hopeful Butters does the same, despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
The Power vice-captain is being heavily courted by the same clubs as Bergman, with the Cats and Dogs at odds again to attract him home.
But Bergman, who is part of a strong contingent of Victorians that have been retained by the Power, is hoping Butters joins them.
"We'll push him now, it's time to put pressure on him for sure," Bergman told reporters on Wednesday.
"You see, in the past, so many Victorians that have decided to stay, it shows how strong our club is ... and how good we are at keeping interstate boys.
"Hopefully, me signing on shows dedication and can do the same for other boys."
Josh Sinn recently recommitted to the club, while club legend Travis Boak famously denied Geelong's advances over a decade ago.
Ollie Wines is from Echuca, and has never looked like leaving, as Dylan Williams, Ollie Lord, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Joe Richards and Dante Visentini all hail from the eastern state.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley reflected the club's uncanny ability to retain interstate players.
"What we have always done in my time ... is we look after our players really well," Hinkley said on Wednesday.
"And more often than not, most, nearly all, have stayed with us.
"Josh Sinn is another one ... another Melbourne boy who has stayed and signed.
"It's just a reflection of the footy club โ when you have a good environment and a good culture, decisions take care of themselves."
