Connor Rozee gets the Port Adelaide captaincy and an eight-year contract

A two-time All Australian at just 23 and now Connor Rozee is the youngest captain in his club’s history.

Connor Rozee is Port Adelaide’s new captain. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

A new eight-year contract has come with the club captaincy for Port Adelaide star Connor Rozee, who called his new appointment “so humbling”.

Rozee, 23, will take over from the retired Tom Jonas and become the Power’s youngest captain, while Zak Butters will be vice-captain.

On top of the captaincy, Rozee has been handed the joint longest deal in the AFL and will be tied to the club until 2032.

His deal joins Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton’s as the longest in the league.

“It’s so humbling to follow in the footsteps of club greats such as Russell Ebert, Gavin Wanganeen, Matthew Primus, Travis Boak, the list just goes on and on,“ Rozee said.

“To wear the No.1 guernsey is something I’m incredibly proud of and I won’t take for granted.

“I feel I’m ready to lead our group moving forward.

Your skipper 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Fnny76U4Df

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) December 10, 2023

“No doubt I’ll learn along the way, but I know I’ll have great support from the rest of my leadership group and also former captains Ollie Wines and Travis Boak.”

Now a two-time All Australian as well as a club best-and-fairest winner in 2022, Rozee, who was taken with pick 5 in 2018, said he “never wanted to leave” the club.

“Since the day I walked into this club I have never wanted to leave, so to commit for what is likely to be my entire career is pleasing,” Rozee said.

“I love what this club stands for, I’m so connected to the playing group and coaches, I’m confident of where we are heading and I’m a South Australian, so there’s no other club I’d rather call home.”

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said Rozee “represents everything a Port Adelaide captain should represent”.

“He leads by example on game day, he works his backside off at training and prepares week in and week out like an absolute professional,“ Hinkley said.

“Importantly, he demonstrates genuine care for his teammates and continually drives our culture internally.

“Connor is a very mature 23-year old and is a credit to himself and his family as to how he continues to grow as an individual.

“He’s skilful, brave, team-first, selfless, humble.

“As coach, I can’t ask for any more in a captain.”