New Port Adelaide rookie Will Snelling craving the chance to prove himself after national draft snub

ALL Will Snelling wanted was a chance to prove himself. And three days after being “shattered’’ at being snubbed at the national draft the SA under-18 captain and All-Australian has been given it.

ALL Will Snelling wanted was a chance to prove himself.

And three days after being “shattered’’ at being snubbed at the national draft the SA under-18 captain, All-Australian and West Adelaide premiership midfielder has been given it.

“It’s fair to say there’s been a big swing in emotions over the past few days,’’ Snelling said after Port Adelaide Friday selected him with its first pick, No. 10 overall, at the AFL rookie draft. “Since I started playing footy 10 years ago I’ve wanted this (draft) moment to come and now it’s here I’m absolutely stoked.’’

Snelling, 18, an in-and-under on-baller who has terrific hands and is a tackling machine, admits he was devastated at missing selection at the main draft after a standout year in which he starred at under-age and league level.

But those emotions are now in the past as he sets his sights on proving wrong those clubs who overlooked him with so many picks.

Snelling, renowned for his professionalism and leadership, will start on the Power’s rookie list but he doesn’t intend to be there for long.

Promotion to the senior list and playing an AFL game are already at the forefront of his mind.

“I’ve just craved an opportunity to prove myself in the AFL,’’ he said. “All you need is a foot in the door and I’ve got that now, so it’s up to me to show my wares.’’

Snelling, who played 13 leagues games this year and was voted SA’s MVP at the under-18 national championships, was one of four players Port took in the rookie draft.

It also secured North Adelaide midfielder Cameron Hewett — the younger brother of Sydney’s George — at No. 28 and dual TAC Cup premiership player Dan Houston (No. 45) from Oakleigh Chargers.

Houston is a leading forward who was co-captain of the Chargers this year.

Port was true to its word in reclaiming 31-game midfielder Kane Mitchell after delisting him from its primary list last month.

He was selected with the club’s final pick at 57.

Power national recruiting manager Geoff Parker said Snelling, small at 174cm, is physically hardened to make the leap straight into full AFL training.

“West speaks very highly of him, as does Brenton Phillips (SANFL high performance manager),’’ Parker said.

“He’s used to SANFL-grade footy and can come in and start training with our players straight away.”

Hewett and Houston are more long-term prospects.

“Cameron’s a lean, wiry frame and it’s going to take him a few pre-seasons to start putting some size on but he’s a competitive kid,’’ said Parker.

“As for Dan, he leads smartly, has a good pair of hands and kicks accurately.”

Port’s additions add to the high-profile trades for key forward Charlie Dixon and midfielder Jimmy Toumpas in the exchange period and exciting teenagers Riley Bonner, a running defender from West, and speedy forward Aidyn Johnson from Bendigo in the national draft.

The Power has also retained half-back Nathan Krakouer as a rookie.