Port Adelaide veteran Justin Westhoff signs one-year contract extension for 13th season with Power
VERSATILE Port Adelaide veteran Justin Westhoff signs contract extension to stay with Power for 13th season after one of his most-consistent seasons that will be recognised with his high placement in the Power’s club champion count for the John Cahill Medal.
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JUSTIN Westhoff is a confirmed starter at Port Adelaide next season, his 13th in AFL company with the Power.
Westhoff, who turned 32 on Monday, has signed his long-expected new deal at Alberton with a one-year contract extension. This follows one of his most-consistent seasons that will be recognised with his high placement in Port Adelaide’s club champion count for the John Cahill Medal on Friday night.
Westhoff, the Power’s oldest player on the club’s current AFL list, feels he still has much to contribute at Alberton.
“I’m really happy to be sticking around for another year and hopefully building on something pretty special that I feel we have here,” Westhoff said.
“To still be playing with guys I was drafted with like (captain) Travis Boak and Robbie Gray, and to still be playing in my home state into a 13th year is really exciting.
“I’ve built some good relationships with people within the club, the club is in pretty good shape list-wise and I feel I’m in pretty good shape personally. So I’m thrilled to be able to be around a bit longer.”
Westhoff will reach his 250-game milestone next year.
Westhoff, a fifth-round draftee (No. 71) in 2006, also will rise from No. 3 on the Power’s games record count with 248 AFL games to surpass premiership captain Warren Tredrea (255) next season.
He has played 123 consecutive AFL games, succeeding in many roles in all three sections of the field from forward to defence and even in ruck as support for All-Australian Patrick Ryder.
Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies also underlined how Westhoff still has much to contribute on and off the field at Alberton.
“Justin is one of the most reliable players on our list and is willing to play any role that suits the team,” Davies said.
“His professionalism can’t be questioned - and his experience will continue to be extremely valuable for our younger players.
“His form this year was nothing short of outstanding and we look forward to him providing that consistency for us again next season.”
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au