Port Adelaide legend Travis Boak has put conjecture about his playing future to bed, signing a new one-year deal to continue adding to his legacy during the 2024 season.
Since making his way across the border with the fifth pick of the 2006 AFL Draft, Boak has gone on to break records and earn copious awards, including a pair of John Cahill Medals and a trio of All-Australian blazers.
With 348 AFL games to his name, no Port Adelaide player has represented the club on more occasions at AFL level, and between 2013 and 2018, the Victorian also skippered the club with aplomb.
While the ultimate prize of a premiership has eluded Boak, the 25-year-old told Port Media on Tuesday that his body was still up to the task of bringing a second AFL flag back to Alberton.
“I've still got a lot of drive and my body still feels great so I'm really excited for another year and looking forward to getting out there again,” Boak said.
“Port Adelaide has been my home for a long period of time and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I want to finish my career here. I've been through a lot at this club and to finish here, with a premiership hopefully, would be the dream.
“I think our group has taken a big step forward from last year, despite not winning a final. The growth as a group and in individual players has been huge, and another year together will naturally make our group better. I'm excited to be part of that."
Boak also marked the occasion by thanking the fans that will, no doubt, be cheering him on during his 18th season with the club.
“The fans of the Port Adelaide Football Club have been an amazing support for me, even over the last few weeks since the season has finished, and I can't thank them enough," Boak added.
“I am passionate about the Port Adelaide Football Club and still playing footy, and for the club to give me the time to make this decision and support me through that along with the fans has been incredible, and I'm now excited to go out there again and represent this great footy club.”
Following Boak's choice to opt in for 2024, Port Adelaide has just three players - Orazio Fantasia, Scott Lycett and Sam Hayes - currently without contracts for next season.
While the former is reportedly expecting a new deal to be finalised in the near future, the futures of rucking duo Lycett and Hayes remain ambiguous, especially with South Australian Bulldog Jordon Sweet requesting a trade to Alberton last month.
Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Geelong's Esava Ratugolea have also requested trades to play under Ken Hinkley next season.
Port will enter the trade period armed with picks 38, 44 and 71 at the 2023 AFL Draft in order to broker these deals.