A move home to Victoria has always been on Jasper Pittard’s radar, but he admits it came a lot sooner than expected. 

After signing a three-year deal with Port Adelaide at the end of 2017, the 27-year-old said a change of scenery was discussed at the end of the 2018 season. 

“Initially I wasn’t thinking a move home would be an option for me at this stage, but we spoke about where things were at and what would be the best and most beneficial outcome,” Pittard told North Media. 

Currently in New York on a holiday, the defender learned North Melbourne had shown some interest in getting him to Arden St - and not for the first time.

“Over the past few years when my contracts have been up for discussion, North have always been in the conversation and had always enquired about my movements,” he said. 

“This time around I was looking for a club back home and North was a great fit. 

“Their continued interest in me over the years, obviously made me feel good about them too.” 

Pittard was an All-Australian squad member in 2016, but by his own admission, he hasn’t had a great run in recent times due to a number of factors including injuries.

“I haven’t set the world on fire over the past two seasons, but I’m confident I can get back to my best at North,” he said.

“North surprised a few people last year and I’ve always liked the way they’ve played. They play a tough and honest brand which I really like." 

As well as getting a new start, the former Geelong Falcon is looking forward to spending more time with his family. 

“When I told my family there was a chance I could come back home early, they were pretty happy about it,” Pittard said. 

“I have some younger sisters that I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time with, so I’m really excited to be able to be around them a lot more and be a part of their development.”