HEAR what a Paul Stewart had to say about Boak above on PTV. Can't view the video? Watch on YouTube
PORT Adelaide utility Paul Stewart has denied speculation the star had confirmed he'd remain at Alberton next year.
Club legend and media personality Warren Tredrea said on Triple M Radio on Friday that Boak had told his teammates he would remain at Alberton next year.
Tredrea said he believed Boak was very close to signing a two-year deal worth just over $500k a season.
[ Related: Boak will stay, says Stewart ]
While Stewart said a contract was being negotiated between Boak's manager Tom Petroro and the Power's football manager Peter Rohde, he said the 23-year-old was yet to let his teammates know whether he'd stay or leave.
"I've got no idea, me and Boaky, we're real good mates, but off the field we just try and stay clear from it," Stewart said.
"He keeps to himself Boaky…but I'm confident that [judging by] the way he's been around the club and his leadership over the last couple of weeks I can see his future being at Port Adelaide."
Originally from Torquay, Boak has been targeted by a number of Victorian clubs - with Geelong, Essendon, Carlton and the Kangaroos all linked to him.
[ Related: Many reasons for Boak to stay - Ebert ]
Cats coach Chris Scott and star players Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel met with the 23-year-old in Adelaide recently.
North Melbourne confirmed last week that coach Brad Scott and captain Andrew Swallow had made a detailed submission to Boak's manager, Tom Petroro.
Public announcement from Boak and @PAFC when deal is signed. Discussions moving fast, told teamates he is staying today. Great news 4 Port.
— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) July 20, 2012Stewart said the rumours surroundings Boak's future on Friday didn't impact on his performance at all.
He was in super form in the slippery conditions, picking up 28 disposals and a goal and looked to have played with a renewed freedom, as if a decision on his future had finally been made.
Meanwhile, Stewart booted a career-best five goals against Melbourne, just two weeks after kicking four against Adelaide.
[ Related: Utility Stewart happy anywhere ]
On both occasions Stewart failed to miss and, with his 1.1 effort against Essendon in round 17, has kicked 10.1 in the past three games.
Although he said he enjoyed playing forward, Stewart admitted he hadn't always been such an accurate kick for goal.
He said he played some junior football as a forward, but credited former Power coach Mark Williams' "kicking schools" for his now deadly accurate shot at goal.
"When I got to the club I wouldn't have considered myself a good kick at all and I think 'Choco' Williams with his kicking schools that we used to have every week really helped me out," he said.
Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
