Former Collingwood player John McCarthy has landed at Alberton and is ready to make his mark in the Port Adelaide midfield.

McCarthy was taken with the second live selection in yesterday’s pre-season draft and was told to pack his bags and head over to Adelaide.

“It’s been very quick, I got the call Sunday afternoon saying that Port were likely to take me,” McCarthy said. “It was exciting, I had to tell the family and my girlfriend that we are relocating to Port Adelaide.”

Although originally linked to Richmond after training with them for the past two months, a move to Alberton was always a possibility.

“I was flown over here (Adelaide) about a month ago now with my girlfriend, but I didn’t hear from Port for a while so I thought it was less likely. When I did get the call it was a little bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one.“

Related: John McCarthy Highlights on PTV

With the support of his girlfriend and family, McCarthy is thrilled to be given a lifeline to resurrect his career after being unable to slip into Collingwood’s strong midfield.

“When you’re competing against players like Dane Swan and Dale Thomas, it’s hard to crack into the midfield, so hopefully I’ll get more opportunities here and try and prove myself and help out in the midfield.”

The 22 year-old former Magpie commended the inviting atmosphere of the club, making it easier for him to settle in.

“The boys have been great. Matty Primus has been fantastic and I’m just really looking forward to getting stuck into training.

“It’s just an exciting place with a young list. I think it’s a real testament to the club when you’ve got a lot of Melbourne based players out of contract and they retain nearly every player.”

McCarthy was fortunate enough to play in the finals during his first year at Collingwood and is keen to share his knowledge and experience with the youthful Port Adelaide team.

“For the younger boys here who wouldn’t have played in finals yet, I can tell them what it’s like, the intensity and the ferocity steps up another notch when you make it to finals. Hopefully I can just offer them a bit of advice in terms of winning and losing.”

McCarthy understands he will have to work hard and prove he is good enough to play at an AFL level.

“I’m not going to be handed a game because I’m from Collingwood, I’m going to have to earn my stripes. I know they didn’t do too well last year, but the list is good, there is a lot of young talent so I’m going to be competing with some talented young people.

“I love playing footy and it’s a professional environment. I’m happy to come here and happy to be a part of Port Adelaide.“

McCarthy will begin training with the players on Friday.