NEWEST Port Adelaide recruit Cam Sutcliffe joined the Power with pick no. 9 in the NAB Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Monday evening.

Sutcliffe says it was a wonderful feeling to be back playing in the AFL system.

“It means the world to be honest,” Sutcliffe said at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

“I got delisted from Fremantle - I half expected it - but to get another opportunity at the top level, it has always been my dream to continue to play AFL.

“Missing out in the rookie draft was pretty disappointing but to come to the club and be able to captain the Magpies team - we’ve been going pretty well - has been good.

“To get another opportunity is great.”

After being delisted by the Dockers, the 27-year-old had to make a decision whether to go back to his original SANFL side Woodville West-Torrens or make the move to the Magpies, eventually choosing the latter.

“I thought playing at Port Adelaide would give me the best opportunity to maybe get back on a list,” Sutcliffe said.

“I’m originally from Woodville West-Torrens and I had a discussion with them as well.

“I wasn’t quite sure whether to go with them or come to Port Adelaide.

“That was my mindset in making the decision to play for the Port Maggies.”

Asked whether fitness would be an issue for the players selected in the mid-season draft, Sutcliffe said his experience at AFL level means he knows what to expect from a fitness perspective.

“I would say I’m probably fit enough,” the former Docker said.

“Being in the system for seven years before, you know what’s expected at the top level. “Fitness has never really been an issue for me, in terms of running, so I’m expecting my fitness will be good enough for the top level.”

Sutcliffe will now turn his attention to being a full-time footballer again, but says the time he spent in Port Adelaide’s Community team over the past six months was a fantastic experience.

“I had a full-time role within the club,” he said.

“I was helping Paul Stewart and John Hinge with the Next Generation Academies - women’s football, Indigenous football and also working in the Community team.

“Working really closely with Alipate Carlile with his Power Intercultural program, which has been a really eye-opening experience.

“You get to meet a lot of kids and they love footy so it’s good to grow the game.”

Sutcliffe will be looking to add to his 104-game AFL career in the remainder of season 2019.