Port Adelaide have decided on their final list vacancy ahead of Friday's Supplemental Selection Period deadline, with Victorian teenager Josh Lai said to have edged out North Melbourne VFL star Jack Watkins for the sole spot at Alberton.
The Power have had the pair training for the one spot since last year, with Lai a later addition after Watkins received an invite in November.
The latter linked up with former Darley teammate Zak Butters in his hopes of securing an AFL contract, with Watkins impressing with his forward half creativity while also unofficially taking out the club's time trial in mid-December.
Lai, 19, joined the Power's program before the Christmas break after a stellar year with Southern Football Netball League outfit Cheltenham, with the youngster taking out best-afield honours in a Division 1 grand final victory.
The emerging midfielder's quick rise looks to have continued, with the Power officially confirming the signing of Lai to an AFL list spot.
"I'm really stoked to join Port Adelaide," Lai said.
"Things have happened so fast, I can't quite believe it. I'm so grateful for the chance to be on an AFL list. I feel like I've put my best foot forward but I certainly wasn't expecting this.
"Since I've been at the club, I've learned so much about professionalism and the right way to go about things. It's pretty cool to be able to play football for a career.
"The players, coaches and staff have made me feel so welcome so I couldn't be happier."
The Power have had one free list spot since November after passing on their final selection of the Rookie Draft, deciding to keep it open for the Supplemental Selection Period.
With the SSP deadline set for this week, the decision to sign Lai will see the South Australian club finalise its list for the season ahead.
The Power haven't decided to move sidelined key forward Todd Marshall - who is recovering from a recently ruptured Achilles tendon - in the chance the 26-year-old is available for selection late into the year.
Carlton, West Coast, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs also have calls to make on SSP prospects this week.
