Rising Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord has put pen to paper, signing a two-year extension to keep him in silver, teal, black and white until the cessation of the 2026 season.
While already contracted for the 2024 season, the Victorian sought to tie himself to Ken Hinkley's charges long-term, inking on for an extra pair of seasons following a stand-out 2023 campaign.
Drafted with the 49th pick of the 2020 AFL Draft out of the Sandringham Dragons progam, Lord turned out for Port on 13 occasions last season, bagging 15 goals inside Hinkley's offensive arc.
The 21-year-old announced himself on the September stage with a four-goal outing in the Power's qualifying final loss to Brisbane, proving himself the heir apparent to veteran key forward Charlie Dixon and a long-term partner to pair with Todd Marshall.
Speaking as the ink dried on his new deal, Lord paid praise to those around him for elevating him throughout his time at Alberton.
“I've loved my time here at Port Adelaide since I was drafted and I see no reason not to extend my contract,” Lord told Power Media.
“I've got great mates here at the club and together we feel as if we're heading in the right direction.
“Both Ken and Chad (Forwards' coach Chad Cornes) have been brilliant for my individual development and continue to support me in my growth as a young key forward.
“I'm looking forward to a strong pre-season building on from my debut season in 2023.”
Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps tipped his cap to Lord, making mention of his coming-of-age outing last September in the Lions' den.
“As we know, young tall forwards take time to mature and we are very pleased with how Ollie is tracking,” Cripps said.
“Ollie's four-goal performance in a high-pressure final at the Gabba demonstrated to the football world that he is growing quickly as a tall forward and we think with another solid pre-season under his belt his form and consistency will continue to improve.
“As a club, we're very excited that he's committed to the club until the end of 2026.”
