Young Adelaide defenders Andrew McPherson and Josh Worrell have both signed two-year contract extensions as the latest players to commit to the future of the Club.

McPherson, 21, made his AFL debut last year and played nine games after overcoming a series of soft tissue injuries since being drafted from Woodville-West Torrens in 2017.

He looked right at home at AFL level in defence and was recognised at the end-of-season presentation night by winning the Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy for his outstanding professionalism and attention to detail in his preparation to play elite-level football, as well as the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award.

Worrell, 19, is yet to debut after he was drafted in 2019 and spent last season playing practice matches due to Covid-19 restrictions.

At 195cm he is a versatile defender who can play on tall and small opponents and has completed a strong pre-season in preparation for the 2021 season.

Adelaide General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said he was very happy to have both players recommitting to the Club which follows two-time All-Australian Rory Laird signing on for five years last week as well as Brodie Smith and Harry Schoenberg inking extensions in January.

“We see both Andrew and Josh as important parts of our future particularly as part of our young and developing backline,” Reid said.

“Andrew had to overcome two years of persistent injuries to get his chance but his talent is unquestioned and we are delighted that he has been able to show our Members and supporters what he is capable of.

“Members and supporters have not been able to see a lot of Josh due to us not being able to compete in the SANFL last year but he is highly rated as a versatile tall and we are looking forward to his continued development.”

McPherson said he was “absolutely stoked” to put pen to paper before the start of the season.

“With where the group is at and where we’re heading I was really pumped to sign the contract and hang around for an extra couple of years,” he said.

“Hopefully I can try to get as much footy under the belt as possible and grow with our young group.”

Worrell said he was also excited to be part of the journey at West Lakes.

“We are such a young group with a fair few new boys coming in, we have a great culture around the place and are having a lot of fun so we’re looking to build something special,” he said.

“Last year was very tough, I only managed to get a couple of hit-outs against Port and in the hub but I learnt how to lift my training standards and put my best case forward.

“I’ve been trying to lift my fitness and I’ve managed to get through 100 per cent of pre-season and am really happy with that.”