Port Adelaide key forward Mitch Georgiades looks set to turn his back on free agency and sign on at the Power.
That’s according to Triple M Adelaide’s Chris Dittmar, who reported on Monday that the in-demand pre-agent has already re-committed to staying at Alberton.
“My information is that Mitch Georgiades will stay, has signed, will play for Port Adelaide for the next couple of years,” Dittmar said.
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“He’s become a very, very good player, not just a handy forward. He is a star, there’s no doubt about it.
“Great news for Port Adelaide fans this morning.”
Georgiades’ current deal does not expire until the end of next year, but speculation had been mounting that the Western Australian was considering a move home to Perth, specifically West Coast.
Georgiades would command a lucrative contract on the open market, but Port Adelaide will have cap space to match rival offers if Zak Butters leaves in the coming months, as expected.
Butters and Georgiades were both injured against St Kilda on Saturday, with the former in a race against time to return from a high-grade syndesmosis injury before the end of the year.
The out-of-contract midfield superstar was helped from the ground after landing awkwardly on his foot in a marking contest with Max Hall during Port’s defeat to St Kilda on Saturday.
Butters is widely expected to return home to Victoria as a restricted free agent at the end of the season, with the Western Bulldogs at the front of the queue to secure his services.
In a statement on Sunday, the Power confirmed Butters will undergo surgery “in the coming days”.
“The midfielder’s timeline will become clearer following the repair, but he is expected to miss at least four weeks,” the club said.
Butters has once again been Port Adelaide’s best player this year and will be without question leading their best and fairest to this point in the season, despite the constant speculation surrounding his future.
High-grade syndesmosis injuries that require surgery usually sideline players for as many as 8-12 weeks.
Butters will be hoping to get back significantly faster than that to play what would effectively be a farewell game for the Power at the end of the year.
The Power also provided updates on injuries Lachie Jones, Jack Lukosius, and Georgiades.
“Lachie Jones has been cleared of any serious internal injuries after a heavy knock to the ribs on Saturday, while Jack Lukosius experienced calf trouble during the game, caused by an existing baker’s cyst issue at the back of the knee,” the club said.
“Both Jones and Lukosius will be assessed throughout the week.
“As confirmed on Saturday afternoon, Mitch Georgiades will miss this weekend’s game after entering concussion protocols.
“A full injury update will be provided on Tuesday.”
Meantime, the Power have accepted Jason Horne-Francis’s one-week suspension for rough conduct.
Match review officer Michael Christian gave Horne-Francis a one-match ban for his high bump on St Kilda defender Liam Stocker.
The incident was graded as careless, medium impact and high contact.
The Power (6-11) sit 15th in Josh Carr’s first season as coach after he took over from the long-serving Ken Hinkley.