AFTER playing less than a quarter of a match last year, defender Jasper Pittard is looking forward to spending more time on the park in 2013.

So he said to portadelaidefc.com.au following the club’s trial match between its AFL and SANFL sides last Friday afternoon.

Despite a quiet opening quarter, Pittard came into his own after the first change and was influential running the ball out of defence and playing off the wings.

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His efforts were lauded by local media including the Advertiser and AFL.com.au who praised his strong supporting role in setting up the efforts of exciting forwards Angus Monfries and Jay Schulz.

After an injury-plagued 2012 where he struggled to string together consecutive games at AFL or SANFL level, Pittard has worked hard to build his way towards a spot in the Power’s round one team.

“I was getting a little frustrated in the first half because I wasn’t finding the ball as much as wanted,” said Pittard of his performance early in the trial.

“But I focussed on my defensive work and that kept me in the game - by the second half I found it a bit more and it was good [to have an impact]."

Playing as part of a new look defensive line up, Pittard says supporters can expect to see a more competitive team on-the field with the competition for spots heating up off it.

“We’ve been able to get through this pre-season and drive standards and intensity throughout all of our training sessions,” he explains.

“Having most of our guys able to train is a luxury we’ve not had for the past few years, it gives us a lot of confidence.

“I can’t remember the guys we select for those games but there will probably be a few guys who miss out at some stage so it’s good to be able to have some pressure for positions.”

Playing as part of a new look defensive structure, Pittard says applying constant pressure inside the back 50 has been a mantra of coach Ken Hinkley in the lead up to the season.

"That [defence] has been a massive focus from Kenny [Hinkley] coming in,” said Pittard.

“He always preaches that a good defensive team will win lots of game of footy.

“The better your defence the more offensive opportunities you’ll have.”

The Power plays St Kilda and the Adelaide Crows on Sunday in the opening round of the NAB Cup and it will be the first opportunity for the football world to see a new look Port Adelaide under Hinkley.

For Pittard, the NAB Cup opener is a good way for the Power to measure itself against opposition of a similar standard and will ideally lay a foundation for the forthcoming season.

“Playing an SANFL team we needed to really stamp our authority on the game and I thought we did that,” said Pittard.

“It’s good to have our first hit out against some AFL opposition to find out where we’re at.

“A few changes around the place bring in new ideas and there’s a feeling of a fresh start around the place.

“We’re not really in a position to be holding back having finished in the bottom four or five in the last few years and we have much ground to make up to reach that top end of the ladder.”

Port Adelaide’s NAB Cup opener commences at 5.15pm (SA Time) against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium before playing Adelaide at 6.20pm. Click here to buy tickets.