JAKE NEADE has been secured by Port Adelaide with a two-year contract extension which will see him call Alberton home until the end of 2016.

It comes on the back of the Power locking away key forward Jay Schulz until the end of 2015 and ahead of three other signings to be revealed on portadelaidefc.com.au this week.

Neade, 19, debuted with Port Adelaide in Round 1 this year and went on to play 16 games as a small forward.

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He was one of the smallest players in the competition at 170 centimetres, but his incredible defensive capability belied his age and size throughout the season.

His brutal tackle on players much larger than himself was prominent against Sydney twice during the year; in a trial game at Football Park where he brought down stalwart Swan Adam Goodes, and later in the home-and-away season where he was awarded a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for a performance where he was ‘double-teamed’ all day.

His retention is important for the Power’s small forward stocks, according to senior coach Ken Hinkley.

“Jake’s an excitement machine for us and I’m sure he is for all the Port fans out there too,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“He’s little, but we love the fact that he’s willing to work hard to chase, harass and tackle - all things Port Adelaide people value.”

Hinkley says Neade has the potential to cement his place in the team for a full year with a strong pre-season under his belt.

“He’s been really important in his first year and we’re very excited that he’s locked in for a long time.”

“Jake gives himself the best chance by working hard in pre-season. With natural improvement in him and the hard work he does, he’ll give himself the best chance of playing out a full season.”

For Neade, the chance to stay in South Australia is one he was keen to maintain, particularly as part of a “professional” club he enjoys play for.

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Coming to the club via the 2012 trade period, the former North Ballarat Under-18 star was seen as an exciting prospect, particularly after being named the most valuable player for the Northern Territory team in the 2012 NAB AFL U18 Championships.

He says he benefitted from the 'no limits' mantra Ken Hinkley placed on the team in 2013, saying it was equally relevant to him individually.

“It’s a very professional club and Kenny’s leadership has been really good. I enjoy playing under him,” Neade told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“It was a good year last year, but I’m really pumped for this year.

“Kenny didn’t want us to put any limits on the team or us as players and I think that helped me a lot, because I want to be playing AFL footy.

“There’s lots of spots up for grabs again next year though, so I’m working hard to give myself a chance.”

Jake Neade profile

Neade has completed every session of Port Adelaide’s current summer regimen.

Despite being rested on occasion last year to cope with the demands of AFL football, Neade is keen to complete a full pre-season this year and cement a place in the Power’s line up.

“Burgo took a bit of load off of me last year to help ease me in but I’ve done the whole pre-season so far this year - every drill and running session - and I haven’t got any issues yet,” said Neade.

“We’re about three weeks behind the teams that didn’t play finals, but we’re all in pretty good nick at the moment and want to work hard to get where we want to be next year.”

portadelaidefc.com.au will unveil another player signing as part of the Power's Five Days of Christmas at 12.30pm on Tuesday and each day this week.


Jake Neade career profile
2012 NAB AFL Draft traded by GWS to Port Adelaide for pick 28.

Career totals: 16 games, 11 goals
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee