MATTHEW Broadbent has re-committed to Port Adelaide for the long term, with the utility inking a new four-year contract.

Broadbent was due to come out of contract at the end of this season but would have been one year shy of qualifying for free agency.

AFL.com.au understands the 24-year-old has agreed to terms on a deal that will keep him at Alberton Oval – and off the free agency market – until the end of 2019.

The club confirmed the new deal on Thursday afternoon.

"The family has always been a part of this club since grandpa worked on the medical team, and I always loved the fact that I got to play for the club I grew up supporting, it's an easy decision to sign on," Broadbent told the club's website.

"I've really enjoyed the last couple of years here especially, and feel my footy's been able to develop.

"Going forward I want to keep playing my role in the team consistently, it's something I'm really focussed on.

"I'll be 28 by the time my contract comes up again and the chance to be part of this really dedicated group of guys working together is great."

Broadbent has been an important player for the Power in recent seasons, most often across half-back where he has been one of the club's most damaging rebounders.

Before being dropped after the round seven loss to the Brisbane Lions, he had played 80 consecutive games, averaging 18.5 possessions over that three-and-a-half-season streak.

Broadbent led the Power for rebound 50s in both 2013 (averaging 3.7 a game) and 2014 (3.6).

He also led the club in bounces in 2013 (1.4 a game) and took almost twice as many bounces last season (61 at 2.4 a game, up from 33 in 2013) but was ranked second at Port behind emerging defender Jasper Pittard.

The South Australian finished equal second in the Power's 2012 best and fairest award playing predominantly as a midfielder, averaging a career-high 19.8 possessions and kicking 21 goals.

This season, Broadbent has averaged 17.7 possessions a game, leads the Power for bounces (10) and is equal fifth for average rebound 50s (2.6 a game).

Broadbent joined Port Adelaide via pick No.38 in the 2008 national draft.