Two of the Port Adelaide Football Club’s shining lights in 2006 have committed to new playing contracts with the club.

Youngsters Brad Symes and Adam Thomson signed new two-year deals this week that will keep them at the Power until the end of 2008.

Symes and Thomson had played three AFL games between them going into the year but have had break through years in 2006.

They have played the majority of the season for the Power and been a big part of the club’s strong showing from its young players this year.

Symes, 21, won the NAB Rising Star nomination for Round 9 this year for his assured play across half-back. He is a Gawler boy who the Power drafted from Central District with selection No. 30 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft.

“I’m rapt to get the deal. This year has been a great year for a lot of us young guys especially and I think it’s going to be pretty exciting in the next few years and I’m just glad that I can be part of that at least until 2008,” Symes said at a media conference before training at Alberton Oval on Wednesday.

“It took two years to get an opportunity but this year has been really good. I’ve had a couple of injuries but Choco has put me straight back in the side so I’ve got to thank him for that along with just the initial opportunity to get out there.

“A lot of the hard work for the young guys has been paying off and I think most of the guys who have had the opportunity so far this year have showed that they’re up to the challenge.

“It’s a goal for most players, especially myself, that you want to play your whole career at one club and this is just the start of that and hopefully I can be around for a lot longer as well.”

Thomson, 20, is an inside midfielder who sits high in the list of the club’s clearance winners this year. He was a first round draft selection (No. 11 overall) in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft and hails from Murray Bridge.

“It’s an exciting time around the club and I’m really happy here so to sign a new deal is great,” said Thomson at the same media conference as Symes.

“Staying home in Adelaide is a great benefit to both myself and Brad. There’s a lot of support in South Australia for both us, our families are here and lots of friends.”

“I got some really good opportunities in pre-season (games) and throughout the season, I’ve played ten games so it’s great to see they’ve got a lot of faith in me and sign me up for two more years.”

Power coach Mark Williams said the duo had impressed him in 2006 and looked forward to what they could offer in the future.

“Brad and Adam are two of the reasons why our club and our supporters are looking forward to what’s ahead for us,” Williams said.

“But it’s not just that. They’ve come into the side this year, playing regular games for the first time, and been able to give some pretty consistent contributions to our team and that has been fantastic.

“They both have a determination to succeed and work hard and learn and develop and that’s exactly what we’re looking for at Port Adelaide.”

Meanwhile, the club belatedly advises that young ruckman Fabian Deluca, who made his AFL debut this year, also signed a two-year deal with the club to cover seasons 2007-2008. His deal was done earlier in the season.