JUST 18 months ago Tom Logan thought his AFL career was over.

After a frustrating and injury-interrupted two years with the Brisbane Lions, the young midfielder was delisted and moved to Adelaide to be with his parents and find another career.

But in an interesting twist, Logan was offered a lifeline by the very club he made his AFL debut against, Port Adelaide.

“That day I wasn’t thinking about anything but playing for Brisbane. But as it turned out I got delisted at the end of that year (2005) and the Power gave me the opportunity to do a pre-season with them, so it’s a bit of a coincidence that they were the team I played against in my debut,” Logan said.

“I didn’t have a standout game against Port and I’m pretty sure the second time they came up to the Gabba I was playing in the reserves, so I’m not sure why they decided to give me a chance but I’m very thankful for it.”

Determined to ‘have a crack’ at another AFL club, Logan jumped at the Power’s invitation to train at Alberton over the summer.

“It was hard during the pre-season last year because I wasn’t in the team but I was training with them and just hoping they would pick me up,” Logan said.

Logan impressed enough in his time with the Power to earn a spot on the club’s rookie list.

But with only a one-year contract the audition process continued.

“It was tough not being on the senior list last year and I knew I had to play well at Glenelg otherwise it was all over.”

His hard work and determination paid off, and Logan’s good form in the SANFL was rewarded with a call-up to the Power’s senior list following the retirement of club legend Gavin Wanganeen.

The 21-year-old made his Port Adelaide debut in round 15 and didn’t look back, playing the remaining seven games.

But despite some impressive form, including 19 disposals, 10 marks and a goal against Collingwood in round 20, the tough midfielder admits he’s back at square one when it comes to the selection table.

“It was always going to be like that because of the injuries we had last year and I knew there would be a fight between a few of us for that one position and it’s going to be like that all season,” Logan said.

“And that’s great for the club because the harder the team is to pick, the more we’ll get out of the game because the guys that do play are going to give it their all just to keep their spot for the next week.”

Port Adelaide selectors will have a few tough decisions to make come Thursday, with several young players and recruits impressing over the pre-season.

As an aspiring on-baller, Logan knows he has his work cut out to break into one of the best midfields in the competition.

“We’ve got players who have already made names for themselves – the Burgoyne brothers, Kane Cornes, Dom Cassisi and Danyle Pearce just to name a few.

“Those guys could basically walk into any AFL team, so for us boys who are just on the verge of playing it’s very tough.”

“Me, David Rodan and Adam Thomson are all pretty close so we have a bit of a laugh about it, even though we know there are only one or two spots in the team between the three of us,” Logan said.

But after the rollercoaster ride Logan has had so far in his career, the uncertainty of his place in the side from week to week is not too stressful.

“It’s actually pretty exciting even though it’s nerve-racking. It’s something to look forward to when you do get in.”

Even with just 11 AFL games under his belt, Logan is aware of his new role at the club, which has the third youngest list in the competition.

“I’m a fourth-year player now but when you look at these first-year boys, it seems like only yesterday it was me – and some of them are probably more mature than me,” Logan says with a laugh.

“I certainly do feel older and like I need to set good examples around the club, which I probably haven’t had the pressure of doing before. I’m certainly trying to grow up a bit anyway.”