Mitch Georgiades Focuses on the Present Amid Contract Uncertainty
Port Adelaide’s rising star, Mitch Georgiades, has been in impressive form this season, showcasing his talent as a key forward for the Power. However, the 24-year-old is not currently thinking about his long-term future, despite reports of interest from Western Australia.
Georgiades’ contract with Port Adelaide will expire at the end of the next season, and while he has previously signed a four-year deal with the club in late 2023, there were rumors that West Coast had shown interest in his services before that.
When asked about his future during a press conference on Tuesday, Georgiades emphasized his focus on the present.
“I am just literally focusing on the moment,” he said. “This year, next year, that is where I’m contracted to and I love it here, I love what we’re building as a club.”
He also highlighted his growing role as a leader within the team.
“I feel like I am stepping up as a leader and taking this club forward a little bit, so I’m not focused too far ahead in the future.”
Despite this, his former assistant coach and current radio pundit, Chad Cornes, suggested that Georgiades might return to Perth. In response, Georgiades acknowledged Cornes’ comments but remained committed to Port Adelaide.
“That’s his job now. He’s in the media and he’s there to say some stuff,” Georgiades said. “Obviously I have got a really close relationship with Chad, working with him for the past seven years. I mean, he’s allowed to say what he wants, but right now I am fully focused on Port and I’m contracted here.”
Georgiades is currently sixth on the goalkickers list with 18.15 goals after a career-best 58 last season. He is set to play his 100th AFL game in Friday night’s Showdown against arch rivals Adelaide.
“It has been a great journey and hopefully there’s many more to come,” he said. “And to play it in a Showdown, obviously one of the biggest games on the calendar for the year for the club and for the state – very excited.”
In the recent match against Geelong, Georgiades kicked 4.6 goals, contributing to a 30-point victory. He praised the progress made under first-year coach Josh Carr.
“Each week, things are starting to come together a bit more,” he said. “At the start, it might have looked a bit clunky and things quite weren’t working as well as we’d like.”
“But the last two weeks against some really quality opposition, I think we have shown when we get it right, it’s looking really nice.”
