Emerging Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord has signed a two-year contract extension

Geelong came hard to for local product Ollie Lord during trade talks for Esava Ratugolea. But the Power was quick to shut that down and now the young forward has re-signed.

Emerging Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord has committed his future to the club, signing a two-year extension.

Lord, who debuted last season and kicked four goals in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane, was in the sights of Victorian teams as he headed towards the end of his contract next year.

The Power shut down Geelong’s interest in the 195cm spearhead during trade talks over Esava Ratugolea in October.

Lord, 21, kicked 15.10 from 13 matches last season and played in both the Power’s finals.

The Sandringham Dragons product looms as a long-term successor to Charlie Dixon.

Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord has signed a two-year contract extension. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos

Willem Drew ‘over the moon’ to sign on for further four years

Port Adelaide midfielder Willem Drew has followed Zak Butters in re-signing.

Drew, who was set to come out of contract at the end of next season, inked a four-year extension on Wednesday.

The deal ties the 25-year-old Victorian to the Power beyond his initial eligibility for free agency.

All-Australian Butters extended his contract for two years on Monday.

Drew said he was grateful the club had also showed such faith in him.

“I had to battle away a bit in my early days at the club so to be able to get a longer extension, I’m over the moon,” Drew said.

“I’m really happy with the club, love the playing group, love the coaches and got it out of the way now so I can focus on pre-season and the years ahead.”

A done deal for Drewy 🤝

Another key piece of our midfield locked in, with Willem Drew signing on until at least the end of 2028 🔒

📝https://t.co/at5WGtRjlepic.twitter.com/CG7RSZ6YsA

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) December 5, 2023

After arriving at the Power via pick 33 in the 2016 national draft, the start of Drew’s career was hampered by foot injuries.

But he is now on a run of 70 consecutive games, having not missed during the past three seasons.

Ranked elite for tackles with nearly seven per game and averaging 4.4 clearances, Drew enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the best and fairest.

“I think I’ve been growing over the years and have definitely got a lot left to give and develop,” said Drew, who had now played 81 matches.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do on my offensive side of the game, which I’m still growing.”

Drew said midfield coach Josh Carr, who returned to the club last season to mentor the midfield, had been instrumental to his development.

“Josh is really big on the little things and doing them well, playing your role,” he said.

“He’s backed me in and given me confidence to play my way, and really value it.”

Power list manager Jason Cripps said Drew was highly-respected internally because of his workrate and the care he showed for his teammates.

“He is approaching 100 games now, having performed at a consistent level for three years, and we see him entering the prime of his career as a key part of our midfield,” Cripps said.

Originally published as Emerging Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord has signed a two-year contract extension