A deal to trade the 23-year-old from Essendon to Port Adelaide was completed last Thursday, during a hectic trade week.

“I’m really excited to be playing for Port Adelaide,” Nash said.

“I’m very pleased to be coming at such an exciting time for the club.”

Jay’s parents, John and Jill Nash, also welcomed the trade.

“It is good news for his parents,” Jill said.

“And he’s very happy to move back to Adelaide.”

Jill and John had travelled interstate up to five times a year since Jay joined the Bombers, to see him in action.

His parents will now get to see him a lot closer to home, and plan on attending as many Power home games as they can.

While pleased with the end result, the Nash family revealed the stress of trade week was not easy to deal with.

“It’s a meat market,” Jill said. “I hate it.”

It was a difficult time for Jay, who was offered as trade bait by his club, despite being happy with his contract and position at Essendon.

“He knew there were clubs interested, but not knowing and having to wait was tough,” Jill said.

“He ended up waiting for the phone to ring.”

Drafted from Central District, Nash played 43 games for Essendon.

He has already pointed out that Port Adelaide is a strong club, a fact that seems to have been lost on some people in Victoria.

“I’ve got a few mates at the club as well,” Jay said.

“I went to school with the Westhoff brothers in the Barossa and as a junior I went to Ireland with Steve Salopek.

“So I’m looking forward to catching up with them again, but also meeting the other players and forming great relationships.”

Peter Rhode, Port Adelaide Football Operations manager, told the AFL website that his club was delighted to secure the 188cm tall player.

“We have had our eye on Jay since he was drafted and really rate him as a half-back or on-baller,” Rohde said.

Matthew Knights, the Essendon coach, said he was pleased Jay found a new football home.

“Jay now gets the chance for a fresh start in his hometown,” Knights said.

“And we wish him all the best and thank him for his time at Windy Hill.”