PORT ADELAIDE emerging key forward Todd Marshall says it was a very easy decision to extend his contract, securing him at the club until at least the end of 2022.

Marshall’s new two-year extension was announced on Wednesday, alongside a three-year contract for fellow big man Peter Ladhams.

Marshall says the Port Adelaide community feels like family and he never contemplated a move back to Victoria.

“I was already contracted for next year but when the club approached me it was a really easy decision,” Marshall said at a press conference at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday afternoon.

“They have helped me a lot through some stuff. It was a really simple decision.

“They are pretty close to me - I have a pretty good connection with a lot of guys at the club. Kenny especially, he has helped me through a lot of stuff.

“He’s given me time off when I’ve needed it. Pretty close with a lot of people here. It feels like family here.”

The 20-year-old opened up about the importance of his friendship with Paddy Ryder, after going through some really difficult times following the death of his parents.

“Me and Paddy (Ryder) have grown really close,” Marshall said.

“I guess you can call him a father-figure. I lean on him a lot. Go to him whenever I want and catch up with him for coffees and stuff like that.”

Marshall has played 17 games at AFL level in his three years at Alberton, and the 198-centimetre forward says despite a lack of scoreboard impact this season, he has continued to work hard on other aspects of his game.

“I probably had a bit of a form slump through the middle of the year,” he said.

“I wasn’t hitting the scoreboard as much as I wanted. I was still working pretty hard and working on that stuff.

“The coaches and Kenny said keep working hard, it will come back. The last couple of weeks I have hit the scoreboard again, and I’ve had a lot of fun.”

The first-round draft selection in 2016 made his return to the senior side against Essendon on the weekend, after a 10-week stretch in the SANFL, and says it was a relief to be involved in a good win.

“It was probably the most nervous I have been before a game,” Marshall said.

“Obviously dropping Lycett and bringing in a few forwards was really daunting, but Kenny has always had a bit of faith in me.

“To perform on the weekend was good and hopefully we can keep going forward for the next few weeks.”