Boak, a first-round selection in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft (No.5 overall), has played 63 games for the Power since his 2007 debut and has become one of the club’s most important midfielders.
The move to Alberton was a tough one for Boak, whose father Roger passed away from cancer the year before he was drafted.
The 21-year-old was wracked with guilt over leaving his mother Chicki and two sisters Cassie and Sarah behind in his hometown of Torquay and when it came time negotiate a new contract realised he had a decision to make.
Geelong and Essendon were rumoured to have expressed an interest in Boak, but the classy onballer denied he had spoken to any other clubs and said he was happy to re-sign with Port Adelaide with the support of his family.
“I wanted to make sure my mum and sisters were happy. It has been tough [to be away from my family] but they’ve been fantastic,” Boak said on Tuesday.
“Mum calls every night and I speak to my sisters every night too. I spoke to them several times [throughout the negotiation process] and they’re happy for me to stay and to come over here and visit every now and then. They’ve put no pressure on me to go back home at all and it’s always been my decision.
“If I was to move anywhere it would be back home, but I’m completely happy here and I’m really excited about the next few years. The club support for me and them has been fantastic, so I can’t ask for much more than that.”
Boak agreed to the terms of the new deal prior to former coach Mark Williams’ sensational exit last Friday, but said the appointment of caretaker coach Matthew Primus on Sunday had not altered his decision in any way.
“It doesn’t change anything for me. The relationship I’ve had with Mark and Matty is very similar, so I would’ve been happy whoever was coach,” Boak said.
“There’s a little bit of uncertainty, but as players we’re right behind Matty and in the next seven weeks we’re really excited to see what we can do. The way Matty played was fantastic and if he can take the way he played into the way he coaches he’ll be a great coach.”
Teams have a habit of winning the week after a caretaker coach has been installed and Boak said he was hopeful Primus’ appointment could help the club snap an eight-game losing streak.
“With Matty coming in and bringing in new ideas hopefully we can come out and get a win against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night,” Boak said.
“We haven’t had the best year and the last three years haven’t been too good. The only thing we can do now is to play some good footy, make sure Matty is being talked up [as the next senior coach] and that we’re winning games for him.”
Boak’s commitment to the club follows the re-signing of Robbie Gray, Hamish Hartlett and Paul Stewart last month.
Boak, who lives with Gray, said the actions of the trio had played a part in his decision to stay with the Power.
“I’ve got some great friends here. I’m pretty close with Robbie Gray, Paul Stewart and Clokey [Cameron Cloke] now as well…these guys have been fantastic for me.”
Port Adelaide is still waiting on a decision from dashing half-back Nathan Krakouer, who has been linked to Gold Coast.
