Family, faith keeps young guns Peter Ladhams and Todd Marshall at Port Adelaide
Exciting big men Peter Ladhams and Todd Marshall reveal why they rejected rival offers to stay at Port Adelaide as the club lays the foundations for the future.
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It came down to family and faith for Port Adelaide talls Peter Ladhams and Todd Marshall.
With rival clubs showing strong interest in emerging ruckman Ladhams, who was due to fall out of contract at the end of the season, and keeping tabs on exciting tall forward Marshall, the pair turned their backs on all of it to commit their futures to the Power.
Rookie-listed Ladhams, 21, opted to stay despite having to battle against three other ruckmen — Scott Lycett, Paddy Ryder and Sam Hayes — for a spot in Port’s best team.
Marshall, 20, committed his future to the Alberton-based club despite enduring personal heartache in the past two years, with the passing of his parents.
He hails from Deniliquin in country NSW.
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Already contracted to the end of next season, Marshall added two years to his deal which ties him to the Power until the end of 2022.
Former Norwood big man Ladhams, who has spent three years on Port’s rookie list and played his third AFL game against Essendon on Saturday, signed a three-year contract, also tying him to the club until 2022.
“I grew up as a Port supporter, living only two minutes away from the club, so I always wanted to stay here,’’ said the 203cm Ladhams, who debuted in round 10 and starred against the Bombers with 18 disposals, 22 hit-outs and seven clearances after replacing key recruit Lycett.
“I wanted to stay with my family and they (the Power) have shown faith in me, keeping me on the rookie list for three years when I didn’t play that well last year and they could easily have parted ways with me.
“But I have hit my straps this year, found some form in the SANFL and have now played a few AFL games, so I want to stay faithful to them.
“I always knew I had it in me, just had to fix a few things up. My professionalism has let me down in the past, so I’ve got that under control this year.
“I love the club, couldn’t say a bad word about them and am over the moon to sign a three-year deal.’’
Marshall, who has played 17 AFL games, including seven this year, after being drafted at pick 16 in 2016, said he felt at home at Port and wanted to pay the club back for looking after him on and off the field.
“The club has helped me a lot through some stuff, so it was a pretty easy decision from that point of view,’’ he said following his three-goal against Essendon in his first AFL game since round eight.
“I have a pretty good connection with a lot of guys at the club, Kenny (coach Ken Hinkley) especially.
“He’s helped me through a lot of stuff, has given me some time off when I’ve needed it, so I’m pretty close with a lot of people here.
“It feels like family here for me and I love Adelaide.
“I’m from a little country town, so even if I went back to Melbourne it would still be four hours away, so there was no real temptation to go home.’’
The 198cm Marshall has formed a special relationship with Ryder, describing him as a “father figure’’.
“Ever since dad (passed away) me and Paddy have grown pretty close,” Marshall said.
“I lean on him a bit, go to him whenever I want, catch up with him for coffees.’’
But Ladhams re-signing could, ironically, force the out-of-contract Ryder to look elsewhere at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old has been linked to Greater Western Sydney.
“Whatever he does, he’ll do the best for him and his family,’’ Marshall said.
“We’ll still stay in touch.’’
Originally published as Family, faith keeps young guns Peter Ladhams and Todd Marshall at Port Adelaide