Here is the press release from the PAFC:
SEASONS 14 & 15 AHEAD FOR GAVIN
Port Adelaide and AFL superstar Gavin Wanganeen has signed a new contract with the Port Adelaide Football Club.
The 2003 John Cahill Medallist (Power best and fairest) will play on with the club for a further two years.
It will take him to his 14th and 15th seasons in the AFL and could see him reach the magical 300 AFL game milestone.
Wanganeen said he was delighted to secure his next two seasons.
“Obviously I’m really pleased to sign again,” he said. “I’m glad the club has had faith in me for a further two years because I guess as you get older, often clubs can look to do shorter term contracts. So I’m very grateful for the two years.”
Wanganeen said he wasn’t sure about his future after the next two seasons but has not ruled out playing beyond 2005.
“You never know, I’m taking it year by year. My body’s feeling really good for a 30-year-old and I stayed away from injuries last year which really helps,” he said.
Wanganeen enjoyed his best season of his illustrious career in 2003 and Power chief executive Brian Cunningham said the club looked forward to the coming seasons with the five-time All Australian in the side.
“There is no doubting Gavin’s ability. AFL supporters love to watch him play and he has been a tremendous asset to us over the years and no more than in 2003,” Cunningham said.
“We believe he has a lot of quality football left to play, which given the success he had when he started out in the AFL some 13 years ago as a teenager is a remarkable achievement. His body has taken more knocks and hits and injuries than most but our intelligence from our training and fitness staff is that his body is very sound indeed.
“Our team is always better with a fit Gavin Wanganeen – he inspires his teammates on the field, as well as supporters to come to the game. “
- more -
GAVIN WANGANEEN
Born: 16 / 6 / 1973
Height: 181cm
Weight: 82kg
Recruited: Port Adelaide (SANFL) / Essendon
AFL debut: 1991
AFL games: 257 (25 in 2003)
Essendon 1991 – 1996 (127 games)
Port Adelaide 1997 – present (130 games)
Honours: John Cahill Medal (Best and Fairest) 2003
All Australian 1992, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2003
Pre-Season Premiership side 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002
Captain 1997 – 2000
Premiership side 1993
Brownlow Medal 1993
Michael Tuck Medal 1993
Other:
Married to Stephanie
Two children – Mia (born 10-Apr-2000) and Tex (born 10-Oct 2003)