BRAD EBERT will remain a Port Adelaide player until at least the age of 27 after committing to a three-year contract extension.

It will keep him at Alberton until the end of the 2017 season and ensures the vice-captain remains a long-term player at Port Adelaide.

There is also sentimental significance attached to Ebert’s new contract; he is the most pure-blooded Port Adelaide player on the Power’s list.

A fourth-generation Port Adelaide player, Ebert is one of few players in the modern game with an entrenched family connection to his club.

Not only did Brad develop and enter the AFL system from the club’s SANFL side - the Magpies - but his father, cousin, uncles, grandfather, great uncles and great-grandfather all played for the club either at AFL or SANFL level.

Brad Ebert profile

The Ebert surname has a rich and treasured place in South Australian football. His father Craig played 112 games for Port Adelaide while his uncle Russell won four Magarey Medals, coached the club and was captain in its famous drought-breaking 1977 SANFL premiership, and uncle Jeff played in one game in 1972.

But on his mother Christine’s side, the football pedigree is no less impressive.

The Obsts are as Port Adelaide as the Eberts, and Brad’s maternal line is chock full of success stories.

His grandfather Trevor (affectionally known as ‘Bubbles’) is a 200-gamer with the Magpies, his great-uncle Peter a former best and fairest and his uncle Andrew was the first member of the family drafted to the AFL, going on to play 149 games with the Melbourne Football Club.

Of course, Brad and his cousin Brett ensured two Eberts played at AFL level last year, with Brett retiring through injury at the end of 2013.

Did you guess Brad from yesterday's clue? See some of our favourite suggestions and the real explanation here.

Brad has carved his own name at Port Adelaide in the AFL.

He narrowly missed winning a best and fairest medal in his first season with the Power and was awarded the vice-captaincy for 2013.

He again featured prominently throughout the season with a number of starring efforts, including as acting captain against Sydney in Round 13.

There was no question he would stay, having returned to his home state to be close to family and part of the club they helped to many successes.

He is looking forward to the next four years with the club, as it finalises preparations for its move to Adelaide Oval in 2014, and beyond. 

Hopefully he can help to add a few more successes to the family honour roll.

“I’ve had a fair few family members play at the club and that was a big reason for me to come back (from West Coast Eagles) to play for the club I loved and followed growing up,” Ebert told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“It’s exciting to continue that on for the next few years.

“We’ve got an exciting young group and that makes the future exciting. We got a taste of success this year playing finals and we all want to add to that in the years to come.

“It means we need to work hard at it and I think we’re all on the same page when it comes to making the most of this pre-season.

“We’ve set a foundation to keep growing with the players and coaches who are helping to lead this club back to the top.”

Ebo has called on members to jump on board and support the club at Adelaide Oval next year. Join the club at weareportadelaide.com.au or call 1300 GO PAFC.

Port Adelaide’s senior coach Ken Hinkley praised Ebert’s contribution to the club and ongoing will to develop himself and his teammates.

He described Ebert as a consummate professional.

“The best way to describe Brad, which I believe is the ultimate compliment for any footballer, is that he’s a pro,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“A ‘pro’ doesn’t leave anything in the tank, gets the most out of his ability and gives his all to the cause.

“That sums up Brad. He is totally committed to our cause and wants to make sure his football club is the best it can be.

“He’s clearly a strong leader as our vice-captain and will continue to set the example for our group for many years to come.

“The Ebert name is an important name for the Port Adelaide Football Club, we love that he’s adding to the standard and tradition that name has here and starting to set standards of his own.”

portadelaidefc.com.au will unveil its final player signing as part of the Power's Five Days of Christmas at 12.30pm on Friday.

Brad Ebert career profile
2008 NAB AFL Draft pick 13 to West Coast Eagles
2011 NAB AFL Draft traded by West Coast Eagles to Port Adelaide

Career totals: 122 games, 63 goals
Port Adelaide: 46 games, 30 goals
2012 John Cahill Medal - second place
2012 Fos Williams Medallist

West Coast Eagles: 76 games, 33 goals
2008 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee