Tredrea and Pearce re-sign with Port Adelaide

PORT Adelaide has moved to soften the blow of Shaun Burgoyne’s imminent departure by re-signing five players, including former skipper Warren Tredrea and midfielder Danyle Pearce.

Tredrea, 30, missed just one game through injury this season and booted 51 goals to lead the club’s goalkicking.

The premiership captain is on track to become the first Power player to reach 250 games and said he was excited about his 14th season at Alberton.

“From a personal point of view I was satisfied with my form and fitness this year and I can’t wait to start pre-season and build towards 2010,” Tredrea said.

“I’m also looking forward to helping with the development our young players, who really are the core of our playing group now.”

Pearce, 23, had been mentioned as possible trade-bait for the Power and there were also concerns he’d follow in Burgoyne’s footsteps and walk out on the club.

But the former NAB Rising Star, who was one of just three Port Adelaide players to play every game in 2009, said he was happy to be staying in Adelaide.

“My family and I feel that remaining here at a great club like Port Adelaide will enable me to get the best out of myself and take my game to another level,” Pearce said.

“We’re in a rebuilding phase at the moment and I’m excited to be a part of that as this new group strives to get the club back to playing consistent finals football.

“When I first came to the club I said I wanted to be a one-club player at Port Adelaide and if I can keep playing consistent football, one day I’ll be able to look back at the end of my career and be proud that I achieved that.”

Defender Michael Pettigrew, utility Tom Logan and emerging ruckman Matthew Lobbe have also agreed to contract extensions.

Forward line coach Jason Cripps will also remain at Alberton for another two years after resisting the lure of returning home to Victoria.