WHEN Jake Pasini found out he was getting drafted to Port Adelaide last year, his sister was perhaps the most excited of all the family.
The West Australian was taken by Port with pick eight of the 2019 AFL Rookie Draft from Swan Districts.
On Tuesday, the 193-centimetre key position defender signed a two-year contract extension with the club, which was music to the ears of his younger sister Mia, who grew up following Port Adelaide because she liked its colours.
“She’s pretty stoked!” Pasini told portadelaidefc.com.au about his sister’s reaction to the news.
“So is the whole family, Mum and Dad, so hopefully I’ll get back home pretty soon and just share the good news.
“It’s really good to sign on.
“All the boys have welcomed me here and I’m just very happy to be here for another two years.”
Working with mentor Tom Clurey, Pasini has built size and worked hard on his fitness in 2020.
He knew he was in for a challenging year when in the club’s pre-season intra-club game, he was matched up on Charlie Dixon, who had a seven centimetre and 25 kilogram advantage.
“It was a big task, playing on big Mick,” Pasini joked.
“He’s helped me a lot with my development as well – him and Mitch Georgiades and those players in the forward line.
“It’s nice to have them to keep helping me throughout the next two years as well.”
With the onset of COVID-19 and the absence of Port Adelaide’s team from the SANFL, there have been limited opportunities to impress for younger players like Pasini.
It is fair to say it was not the debut year Pasini was expecting.
“It’s been tough, a bit of a weird year,” he said.
“But working with (development coach) Tyson Goldsack and all the main backs like Tom Jonas and (Tom) Clurey and all that have been a really good help with my practice matches and stuff like that.
“They’ve helped me get through that.”
Pasini’s contract ties him to the club until the end of 2022.
He was one of three re-signings announced by the club on Tuesday, alongside fellow defender Trent McKenzie and midfielder Willem Drew.
