HAMISH HARTLETT will remain at Port Adelaide in 2017.

Despite electing to explore options with other clubs in the post-season, the Power's vice-captain has affirmed his desire to stay with the Power.

It came on the back of a discussion in early September with the club's head of football Chris Davies, where the pair agreed Hartlett's might explore the possibility of continuing his career away from Alberton.

But Hartlett has through his manager today expressed his intent to remain in Power colours next season.

"Hamish and I had a frank discussion post-season about where he was at," Davies told portadelaidefc.com.au.

"He acknowledged he hasn’t got the best out of himself as a footballer and together we discussed the possibility that a change might be good for him and the club.

"He went off, thought about it long and hard, met with some other clubs as you know, and has since decided that his home is at Alberton."

Contracted for another four seasons, Hartlett would need to agree to any trade deal to leave Alberton.

Davies said with the prospect of a Hartlett exit off the table, it will be business as usual come the resumption of pre-season training in November.

"We knew all along that if any move was going to happen Hamish would have to be on-board with it. And any move would have had to benefit Hamish, benefit our club and benefit whoever we might have dealt with," Davies said.

"It now looks like that’s off the table and that’s fine. When Hamish comes back to training in November it’s business as usual."

While speculation around the 26-year-old will be put to bed, the Power remains open-minded about the upcoming free agency and trade periods, which start in earnest on Friday and Monday respectively.

"In terms of our strategy, not much has changed. We’ll go into trade talks with an open mind and we’ll consider what other clubs have to offer.

"We’re aware we might have to make some tough decisions to strengthen our club going forward given what we’ve produced these past two seasons hasn’t been acceptable."

More trade and free agency news