WILL Snelling's first year on an AFL list hasn't been smooth sailing.
But it will not stop him from throwing everything he has at the last two games of the year.
After Port Adelaide selected him at pick 10 of this year's AFL rookie draft, he was struck down with illness before debuting for the club in the SANFL in Round 2.
He managed just three games before hurting his foot during Port's round five match against Central District and was sent into long-term rehab.
Missing every game up until his Round 18 return, Snelling has used his return to build consistency.
In his first match back, he recorded a game-high eight tackles and kicked a goal.
However, Snelling played arguably his best game for the black-and-white against the Roosters last weekend and finished the clash with 21 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances and a goal.
Despite the setbacks, the strong bodied midfielder - who turned 19 a day before Port's 57-point win over North Adelaide - is determined to make the last two matches of the state league's minor season count.
Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au after the game against North, he said while the Magpies' chances of playing finals looked bleak, the team was eager to finish the year on a high.
"It's been a bit challenging because I had a bit of sickness early on and then fractured my toe, so it's been a bit patchy," Snelling said.
"But it's been a great environment to come into and straight away.
"The main thing [heading into the game against North] is mateship and sticking together and not let our bundle go.
"There is still plenty to play for and a little bit of pride."
Snelling says SANFL coach Chad Cornes and the club's AFL midfield coach Michael Voss helped him get his confidence back up upon returning from injury and credits them for the improvement in the defensive side of his game.
"During my younger days, I had a bit of a focus on tackling and now it's become a natural part of my game," he says.
"Stuart Cochrane has also been good [helping] with working on my craft in the square and Vossy has been good.
"Brad Ebert and Matt Lobbe have been really good [to help] with that contested part of my game."
Port Adelaide plays Glenelg at Glenelg Oval on Saturday at 1.40pm and Snelling says replicating the effort and intensity that paved the way for the big win over North is needed to beat the Tigers.
