Port Adelaide re-sign Jeremy Finlayson amid fresh Ivan Soldo swap rumours, while Lachie Jones signs two-year deal

Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has signed a new contract through 2025 amid fresh rumours surrounding ruckman Ivan Soldo. Defender Lachie Jones has signed a two-year contract extension ahead of the AFL grand finals and the potential departure of Dan Houston.

Finlayson’s one-year contract for next season will ease the pressure on his recovery from the spleen injury he sustained in round 18.

The 28-year-old man did not require surgery, but did need a lot of rest to heal.

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The injury ended Finlayson’s season after just 12 games, and he was also suspended for three games for a homophobic remark against Essendon in round four.

“I am very pleased to be playing for Port Adelaide for another season,” said Finlayson.

“Some of my best friends are here at this club and for me it is very important to work in a welcoming and comfortable working environment every day.

“The support my family and I have received from the club over the last three years has been amazing. I am very happy to be staying.”

In addition to football, his wife Kellie recently started chemotherapy again to slow the spread of her stage 4 cancer.

Finlayson’s renewed deal comes amid renewed speculation that ruckman Ivan Soldo is looking to make a move after just one year at Port Adelaide.

Soldo, a Richmond Premier League player, has played just eight games this season after struggling with a knee injury and was replaced by fellow new signing Jordon Sweet.

According to SEN’s Sam Edmund, Soldo is “a little disappointed” because “things haven’t quite worked out for him at Port Adelaide”.

Finlayson’s contribution at ruck was seen by Port boss Jason Cripps as crucial to the decision to extend his contract.

“Jeremy is a key part of our forward group and he provides flexibility with his ability to operate as a second ruck,” said Cripps.

“His size and athleticism make him a tough opponent and we look forward to having Jeremy fit and healthy in 2025.”

The Power enter September as one of the teams in form, having ended the home and away season on a six-game winning streak.

Jones, 22, missed one of those wins and was substituted for the other two. He struggled with a sore Achilles tendon during the Showdown two weeks ago, but now heads into the final feeling good.

With Houston suspended for five games, Jones played a full game in last week’s decisive win over Fremantle to secure second place in the table.

Jones has now signed a new contract until the end of 2026.

“I am very pleased to be staying at Port Adelaide for another two years,” he said.

“I love the atmosphere at the club and I look forward to being part of the future of this group of players.

“It is an honor to be able to continue my career here and I look forward to what the coming years will bring.”

Cripps praised Jones as a “real asset” as he develops in the AFL.

“We are excited about what he brings to the club and the potential he has as a young player,” he said.

“By signing both players for at least another year, we also get more continuity in our group of players.”

Houston has a contract until the end of 2027, but there are said to be talks with clubs in Victoria over a transfer.

“He has a three-year contract with our football club and loves our football club,” Port manager Ken Hinkley said last week.

“I have every confidence that Dan will play more games for Port.”

Houston was part of the All Australian Team last year and this week it was announced that the team will consist of 44 players for 2024.