Star Port Adelaide midfielder Connor Rozee has agreed to a bumper eight-year contract extension with the Power, also earning the title of club captain in the process.
The deal ties Rozee's footballing future to Alberton until 2032 and equals Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton's recent extension at Whitten Oval as the longest active agreement in the competition. Rozee is set to come out of contract at age 32.
Port Adelaide confirmed both Rozee's new deal as well as his ascent to taking the armband at Alberton on Monday, with the South Australian native claiming he was humbled by the chance to follow in the footsteps of legends.
“To be captain of Port Adelaide, a club that is more than 150 years old, is a huge honour,” Rozee told Power Media.
“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."
The 23-year-old's rise to captaincy will also see him trade in his No.20 guernsey for the honour of wearing No.1, as has become custom at Albeton on and off-and-on basis.
“To wear the number 1 guernsey is something I'm incredibly proud of and I won't take for granted," Rozee added.
“I feel I'm ready to lead our group moving forward. 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.”
On his new deal, Rozee pressed that he only had eyes on remaining in silver, teal, black and white.
“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.”
Head coach Ken Hinkley sung Rozee's praises, stating the rising star was Port Adelaide personified.
“Connor is absolutely ready to captain this football club,” Hinkley said.
“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.
“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 represents everything a Port Adelaide captain should represent. He's skillful, brave, team-first, selfless, humble. As coach, I can't ask for any more in a captain.”
The North Adelaide product averaged a career-best 25.8 disposals per game this year, capping his prolific campaign with a second All-Australian blazer as Port Adelaide registered a top-four ladder finish.
Rozee has now joined teammates Zak Butters, Willem Drew, and Ollie Lord in re-signing at Alberton in recent times.
