HAMISH HARTLETT will play for Port Adelaide until at least the end of 2016 after agreeing to a two-year contract extension.

It is the same term agreed to by live wire forward Jake Neade and comes on the back of both his and Jay Schulz’s re-signings.

Hartlett, 23, is Port Adelaide’s highest ever draft pick, coming to Alberton from West Adelaide via pick 4 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

He debuted in 2009, but battled through the early part of his career with injury.

But he got through 2013 problem-free and missed just two games through suspension.

Hamish Hartlett profile

A former Gavin Wanganeen Medallist with the club, he has established himself as arguably Port’s most damaging and dangerous player.

Combining with his running ability and strong tackle is a powerful long-range kick which famously saw him slot three goals from 60 metres against Carlton in 2012.

He came close to beating it with a massive punt from beyond 70 metres against Essendon this year, hitting the woodwork halfway up. 

He goaled from a similar distance later in that game.

It is for that reason his signature is critical to the Power - his skills are exemplary and he has footy smarts go with them.

But he is not without his shortcomings, and battled against frequent taggers throughout the 2013 season.

While that freed up influential midfield teammates like Travis Boak and Brad Ebert, it meant he was unable to have his usual freedom in games.

Learning from that is one of many areas of continual improvement slated for the local Adelaidian, and he is up to the task according to senior coach Ken Hinkley.

Did you guess Hamish from our clue yesterday? See the reasoning and some of the suggestions made by supporters here

“Hamish is one of the key players who I refer to as a ‘firestarter’ for us,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“He can create things that get our fire going - he clearly has the ability to be a match-winner for our side.

“His teammates love him when he’s at his best, and it’s a great sign for a young player that he makes others better when he’s playing well.

“The thing about Hamish is that he shows the willingness to learn and develop that we expect from all our players and sets an example for our whole group.

“He wants to improve all facets of his game and we’re confident he’ll be able to do that over the next two years.”

Hartlett said it was an easy decision to sign with the club he has called home for five years.

He says the atmosphere at the club leading into Ken Hinkley’s second year at the helm has been electric and ensures the Port will again be buzzing in 2014 when it moves to Adelaide Oval.

Hamish has called on supporters to get on board in 2014. Make sure you help Port Adelaide reach 50,000 members by calling 1300 467 232 or visit weareportadelaide.com.au.

“I was already signed on to the end of next year, but the contract extension will keep me here until the end of 2016,” Hartlett told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“The change this club has seen in the last few years - the people that have come in, the players and their attitude to footy, the buzz around the whole office - it’s been amazing.

“Playing finals was a great feeling, but it’s put us behind the eight ball of the other clubs because we’ve started late.

“Dubai and the training at the club before and after has been as intense as last year and I think this year we’ve only just scratched the surface of the potential of this club.”

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

Hamish Hartlett career profile
2008 NAB AFL Draft, pick 4 to Port Adelaide

Career totals: 68 games, 35 goals
2011 Gavin Wanganeen Medallist
2009 Best First Year Player