Already on the books through to the end of next year, 19-year-old Victoria-born Whitlock is well on the way to becoming a one-club player.
He is currently in his second AFL season after being drafted with pick 33 by Port Adelaide in 2024, making his debut against Geelong last year.
In just his 12th senior appearance, Whitlock won a Rising Star nomination for a Showdown performance that included 14 disposals, four marks and a goal.
The 200-centimetre half-forward has 23 career goals to his name with career-best hauls of three against Carlton, West Coast and North Melbourne.
Whitlock was described by Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps this week as "an important part of our future and what we are building towards.”
“His athleticism, marking ability and smarts around goals are rare qualities to find in a key position player so young.
“We look forward to seeing him develop over the coming years, and have high hopes for the player he can become.”
The five-year contract extension will also ensure he remains unavailable to the new Tasmania Devils club, who will be on the prowl for promising young talent over the next few years as they look to use their many list, draft and trade concessions to build a formidable squad.
"He'll be better than Georgiades by the time his contract is over, mark my words," predicted one supporter on social media, where the news of Whitlock's extension was welcomed favourably.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
