This story was originally published on afl.com.au.
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ONE OF 25 Port Adelaide players without a contract for next season, defender Jasper Pittard knows where he wants to be in 2018.
"It's not a matter of me weighing up options or anything, I'm really happy at the club," Pittard told AFL.com.au.
"I'm really positive about the way we're going and the direction we're moving after a tough couple of years.
"I just want to play footy here and it's as simple as that.
"I've been here for eight years and haven't wanted to leave."
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The Power have put all contract negotiations on hold until after the club's historic game in China in round eight when they face Gold Coast at Shanghai on May 14.
Established players Pittard, Brad Ebert, Jackson Trengove, Jack Hombsch and Justin Westhoff are among the group of off-contract players, which includes six from the rookie list.
Pittard also wants to wait until a new collective bargaining agreement between the AFL and the AFL Players' Association is finalised so he knows what the salary cap will be.
"Unfortunately, the CBA is taking a bit longer than what we hoped, but that should get done by halfway through the season," Pittard said.
"Then players in my situation will be able to move on with their contracts.
"This is no more important that any other contract for me.
"I'm not too stressed about it at this point in time."
The 26-year-old played his 100th game for the Power in last weekend's 90-point win against Carlton at Adelaide Oval.
Pittard missed the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury, but made a strong return in the round four loss to Greater Western Sydney in Canberra.
He is coming off a career-best season where he made the 40-man All-Australian squad for the first time and finished third in the Power's best and fairest count.
With three wins from their first five games, and their only two losses against premiership heavyweights Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney, Port is much improved from the side that missed the finals in the past two seasons.
Jasper Pittard takes off against Greater Western Sydney. Picture: AFL Photos
"As disappointing as the last few years have been, it's been disappointing because we all know we're so much better than what our output has been and that's been the frustrating part," Pittard said.
"So far, we're only five rounds in, but we've done some work and tinkered a few things over the pre-season.
"We're a close group, we jell really well and it's good we're putting some performances on the park because it releases the tension around footy a little bit.
"Obviously you want to play in a winning environment, but the relationships I've made here over the eight years I've been here is the most important thing.
"Winning's great, but footy to me is about friendships and relationships you make at your time at the club.
"That's what I value the most."
The Power will aim to build on their encouraging start to the season when they take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday.
