Pina returns to the fold

He’s back! After taking part in what will go down as probably the most unique AFL Season of all-time, Jarvis Pina will return to the club for Season 2021.

Pina a rebounding defender, was picked up with the 6^th pick in last year’s Rookie Draft by Fremantle following a strong year at Colts where he ranked elite for ranking points (120), disposals (21.8), marks (5.5), tackles (4.6) and score involvements (4.4)

Part of the leadership group in the successful WA State 18’s side in 2019 and Captain of the 2019 Colts side that made it all the way to the Grand Final. Pina that just being exposed to an AFL environment in such a crazy year will still contribute to his development in the years to come.

“Obviously this year was pretty tough, and you don’t really expect it in your first year of AFL football, so it was a really good experience, really challenging at times too.” Pina said. 

“We had that COVID break in the middle of the year and we went away, and I figured out how I train best and how I can get the best out of myself, by myself really. So I definitely feel like from when I first came in 12 months ago, I’m a better person and better footballer at the moment and I think that’s going to help me going forward.”

After playing a stack of football in 2019 and only being limited to some scratch matches this year, Pina first goal next season is just being able to get back into the groove of playing regular football next season.

“First and foremost, I’m pretty keen to get back into a bit of normality of football, we played a lot of 12v12 scratch matches this year and they were quite hard to put your best foot forward, especially as a defender. So, I’m pretty excited to get back to playing footy.” Pina said.

While getting back to playing regular senior football is at the front of his mind, Pina isn’t ready to give up on getting back onto an AFL list down the line.

“I feel like I do have a bit of a chip on my shoulder, obviously I felt like I didn’t really get to showcase myself in a proper game or a proper season, so I definitely enjoyed the experience, but I’m definitely not satisfied and I want to push on to bigger and better things but I’m excited for this year and can’t wait to get going.” 

While familiar with a number of senior players at the club from his first few games at League in 2019, Pina is hoping he can latch on to another recent signing and AFL Veteran and learn some valuable information that will help in his continued development.

“I’ve learned a lot from Jackson Merrett and Ben Howlett in my first year at League and I think I’m pretty keen to learn off them, but I’m pretty interested to learn under Will Schofield, who I know a fair bit about, but I don’t know him too well. So, I’m pretty keen to get some tips and hopefully a bit of knowledge from him, as he’s had a lot of years in the system and I want to get back there someday.” Pina said.