Josh Lai jumps from local footy in Melbourne to Port Adelaide list spot via SSP

There are few footballers who go from local footy direct to the AFL. MATT TURNER looks back on the players who have followed the same path as Port Adelaide’s new SSP signing Josh Lai.

Port Adelaide’s newest bolter recruit has revealed he learnt about his chance to train with the Power when the club added him on Facebook.

Josh Lai, who claimed Port’s last list spot on Tuesday, having been plucked from amateur football in Melbourne, received the opportunity that would change his life while visiting family in Singapore, his birthplace, a day after November’s rookie draft.

The Power initially tried to ring him, but the call did not go through, so they took to social media to get in contact with the speedy 19-year-old wingman.

“I was a bit shocked by it,” said Lai, who was born in Singapore, grew up in China and moved to Australia when he was six.

“I had no idea that it was coming.

“I got the call out of the blue, but was really excited once the shock went away.”

Josh Lai celebrates one of his two semi-final goals for Cheltenham last year. Picture: Andrew Keech.

Josh Lai gets his premiership medal. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Lai described the past few months training with the Power as a big change.

Port invited him to train during pre-season off the back of his best-on-ground performance for Cheltenham in Melbourne’s Southern league grand final in September.

Lai knew going into the match that Power recruiters would be there, but was unsure who they were watching.

The contingent – national recruiting manager Geoff Parker, Victorian scout Brett Anderson and Port great Robbie Gray – were in the stands was because Lai attracted Parker and Anderson’s attention on Anzac Day in just his second A-grade match for Cheltenham, on a day the Power duo were just keen to take in some local footy at Anderson’s former club.

“It was one of my better games of the year,” Lai said of that April performance.

“I was fortunate to play a good game and they kept coming back and watching me.

“I only really knew Port was watching me the day they called me (in November).”

Lai, who lined up with his twin brother Sean at Cheltenham, played soccer before switching to Aussie rules once he moved to Melbourne.

His dreams of making the AFL seemed out of reach when he missed his entire Year 12 season with a stress fracture in his foot.

Another young talent joins the ranks at Alberton 🌟

Midfielder Josh Lai has joined our AFL list during the Supplementary Selection Period 👏

📝 https://t.co/iFMMJJRUR7pic.twitter.com/nNLnyVzS81

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) February 17, 2025

But he stuck at it, later catching Port’s eye with his quickness and athleticism.

Lai and ex-North Melbourne VFL captain Jack Watkins were in a summer-long battle for the last list spot during the AFL’s supplemental selection period.

Unsure how the Power thought he stacked up, Lai went into a meeting with senior coach Ken Hinkley, football boss Chris Davies and a few recruiters very nervous, only to be delivered the good news.

“I was very relieved,” he said.

“It was a good day.”

Lai was certain there were more diamonds in the rough at suburban level capable of reaching the top tier.

“It’s always a possibility and it’s not out of reach,” he said.

Port list manager Jason Cripps said Lai had significant upside and strong AFL traits.

“We have been impressed with his approach to training, the way he learns and applies feedback, and how quickly he has adapted to the intensity needed at AFL level,” Cripps said.

Originally published as Josh Lai jumps from local footy in Melbourne to Port Adelaide list spot via SSP