PORT ADELAIDE’s newest recruit, Josh Lai he is proof that players can take unconventional pathways into the AFL. 

Lai was playing amateur league in Melbourne last season for Cheltenham when Port Adelaide’s recruiters spotted him. 

After spending the summer trialling at Alberton, Lai was on Tuesday confirmed to have secured a spot on Port Adelaide’s playing list as part of the Supplemental Selection Period. 

The 19-year-old has shown plenty of dash playing on the wing and is now eager to make the most of his opportunity. 

Speaking to Adelaide media on Tuesday the teenager explained the unique way the club got in touch to ask him to trial, how he was told he had been signed, and which teammate was the first to find out.  

Josh Lai on the feeling of knowing he is now on Port Adelaide’s AFL list: 
“It's been very tough. You know, a long summer, especially coming from local (leagues) it's a much higher standard and harder training, (but I’ve) just been chipping away all summer.  

“I was just focused on how I was training and just trying to put my best foot forward and I didn't know what the club was thinking. I was just trying my best to show what I can do. 

“It's been very different, a big change in my life moving states and stuff like that. But, yeah, I’m just very happy to be here.”  

Josh Lai on being asked to trial with Port Adelaide over the summer: 
“I was bit shocked by it because I had no idea that it was coming or anything. Just got the call out of the blue pretty much. And, I was just really excited once the shock went away and was just happy to come over here. I was (in Singapore). I was over there visiting family at the time. Port tried to ring me, but I didn't pick up, because I was overseas and the call didn't go through, so they had to add me on Facebook and then call me.”  

Josh Lai on whether he thought he had any chance of playing AFL: 
“It's always been what I wanted to do. But yeah, I guess, especially in year 12 after getting injured and missing the whole year, footy probably felt a bit out of reach. But I guess I just going back and kept playing, and I guess, you know, I was lucky enough for people to notice.” 

Josh Lai on how he found out he had been signed by the club: 
“I was in the meeting room with Kenny (Hinkley), a few of the recruiters, Chris Davies and that. They pretty much just asked if I was nervous. And I was, yeah, very nervous sitting there, because I had no idea. And then they pretty much just straight up told me that I got the spot. And I was just very relieved.  

“They were just happy with using my speed on the wing and, you know, just using my athleticism to help me move the ball forward.” 

Josh Lai on who he told immediately after finding out he had been given a list spot: 
“The first person I told was Miles Bergman, because we were getting lunch, and then I got the message saying to meet Chris Davies in his office. And so he knew about it, and I left that meeting and they told me not to tell anyone at the time. And (Miles) asked me, so I just told him. And then after that, I just told my Mum and Dad. They were pretty stoked. They were just happy and relieved.  

Josh Lai on the game that caught the attention of Port Adelaide’s recruiters: 
“That was my second game playing in the ones at Cheltenham. It was probably one of my better games for the year. (Recruiter) Brett (Anderson) he's been a lifelong Chelts man as well and he was at the game with a few of the other recruiters, I believe, just watching a game of local footy. And I was fortunate enough to play a good game, and they kept coming back and watching me.” 

Josh Lai on finding out recruiters were watching his Cheltenham side play in the local league Grand Final last season: 
“I heard things saying that Port was there, but I had no idea who they were watching or why they were there. I found out later, but yeah, I was just in the moment. Didn't really focus on that. 

Josh Lai on his unconventional pathway into the AFL: 
“I moved over pretty early to Australia, so pretty much grew up with footy and so I guess it's always been something that I've wanted to do. I guess it just means there's more pathways too the, you know, the less traditional pathways, I guess, like playing Coates League. I guess you can be fortunate enough to get picked up from amateurs and go straight to the AFL, which is always a possibility. I guess it's not out of reach. I'm sure there's players at all levels that are capable of making it all the way.”