YOUNG key forward Ollie Lord has capped an exciting month with a contract extension, after agreeing to terms to stay at Yartapuulti until at least the end of 2024.

Lord made his AFL debut in the Round 6 win over West Coast, booting a goal and impressing with his attack on the footy, both in the air and on the ground.

The 21-year-old has also played in the wins over St Kilda and North Melbourne.

It has been a busy year already for the 197cm big man. He had a strong pre-season before suffering a lacerated kidney in training on the eve of the season, but came back well to earn his first taste of AFL football.

Ollie Lord celebrates a goal on debut. Image: AFL Photos.

“I’m stoked to sign on for another year. I’m really excited about the future,” Lord said.

“It’s just so fun coming into work. We’ve got a really tight knit group. All the coaches and players are on the same page and I’m really lucky to be part of such a special place.

“I’m truly grateful to have been able to run out for my first (AFL) game, especially in front of the fans at Adelaide Oval. It’s something I’ll always cherish.

“Getting to that top level and playing a couple of games just makes me want to work harder and aspire to be in the AFL side (regularly).”

Despite being drafted from the Sandringham Dragons as one of the more promising forwards in the 2020 National Draft, Lord finished last season developing his craft as a key defender, showing a lot of potential and great versatility.

Lord celebrates with friends and family after winning his debut match against West Coast. Image: Matt Sampson.

List Manager Jason Cripps said Lord’s agility, size and aggression had caught the attention of his teammates and coaches.

“While Ollie is still adding some size to his frame, his willingness to crash through packs and put his body on the line has been a hallmark of his play,” Cripps said.

“His AFL debut last month was just reward for his hard work in pre-season and while rehabilitating from his kidney injury.

“We look forward to seeing Ollie’s continued development in the next phase of his time at Alberton.”

As well as his three AFL games, Lord has booted 23 goals in 35 SANFL games, splitting his time between the forward line, defence and in the ruck.

He comes from good roots as the grandson of Geelong’s 1962 Brownlow medallist and 1963 premiership star, Alistair Lord.