Young defender Jake Pasini has signed a new deal with the club, keeping him at Alberton until at least the end of 2023. Image: PAFC.

IT has been a “bumpy road” to a Port Adelaide debut for second-year defender Jake Pasini.

Drafted as a rookie in the 2019 national rookie draft, the promising key backman spent last season growing and developing in a host of small sided practice games after the global pandemic ruined Port Adelaide’s chance to participate in the SANFL in its 150th anniversary year.

However, Port Adelaide's coaches saw enough from the West Australian to reward him with a contract extension to the end of 2022.

A strong pre-season was derailed when he dislocated his shoulder in a pre-season trial game in March and he was forced to have a shoulder reconstruction.

Three months on, the 20-year-old will finally get to pull on a Port Adelaide guernsey when the side takes on North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m pumped,” Pasini told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“It’s been a long wait and a bumpy road but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Pasini flies for a spoil during Port's internal trial prior to dislocating his shoulder.

While he saw fellow 2019 draftees Mitch Georgiades and Miles Bergman playing regular football at AFL level and is pleased to see another from his draft class, Dylan Williams get his debut this weekend against Sydney, Pasini could have been forgiven for wondering about when his time would come.

But rather than get down, the West Australian took the injury layoff as an opportunity to get bigger and stronger, adding three centimetres and 10 kilograms to his frame to now tip the scales at 90kgs and stand at 194cms.

“It’s certainly helped me work on my body a lot more having the extended period off footy,” he explained.

“I got to work on my fitness as well with the fitness staff and build a lot more muscle in the gym so I’m feeling stronger and more prepared for senior footy.”

With such a big rehabilitation group at Alberton Oval, Pasini was far from lonely.

He has shared much of his time on the sidelines with fellow youngsters Jackson Mead, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma, making it a much easier stretch.

“It’s been good to share the time with Buttsy and Duurs,” Pasini said.

“Those two have played a few (AFL) games so talking with them has helped me a bit.

“Having them in rehab has meant I’ve had someone to spend the time with and have some good company and they’ve pushed me with the running.”

Pasini has spent his time away from the field in the gym adding size to his frame.

North Adelaide at Prospect appears a daunting task for a Port Adelaide outfit lacking experience and with no more than nine AFL-listed players available because of injury.

The Roosters are looking to steal Port’s spot in the SANFL’s top five and after two wins from their last three matches, the 2020 Grand Finalists are starting to build some form.

But Pasini is just thrilled he will be out on the field, and will have his biggest supporters there to see him make his league debut.

“My parents are flying over this week to watch me and they wouldn’t have seen me play for a couple of years so for me and for them we don’t care who I play,” he laughed.

“I’m just rapt to be back out there and do what I can for the team.”

Pasini’s sister Mia won’t make the trip from Perth.

The childhood Port Adelaide supporter was thrilled when her brother was drafted by the club, but will be watching from afar on Saturday.

“She’s got work unfortunately as much as I’d love to have her over,” Pasini said of his sister.

“Hopefully she’ll be able to watch the live stream.

“My parents will stay over for a bit. I haven’t seen them since I had my surgery so it’ll be good to have them around for a bit.”

Port Adelaide takes on North at Prospect from 1:25pm on Saturday.