From Local Leagues to AFL: Josh Lai's Dream Run

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From Local Leagues to AFL: Josh Lai's Dream Run
AFLJosh LaiPort Adelaide
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Josh Lai, a young footballer from Singapore, has made a remarkable rise to the AFL in less than a year. He impressed Port Adelaide recruiters during a summer training session and earned a rookie spot on their list. Meanwhile, Essendon SSP hopeful Tom Edwards shone in a practice match against the Western Bulldogs, scoring four goals and showcasing his potential.

Josh Lai , a new Port Adelaide player, has experienced a remarkable journey from local football to the AFL in less than a year. Lai, a 19-year-old, began last year playing under-19s for Cheltenham in Victoria's Southern Football League. By the year's end, he had achieved the feat of being named best on ground in his club's senior premiership. Lai's talent was initially discovered by Power recruiters who invited him to train at Alberton during the summer.

His impressive athleticism and composure under pressure caught their attention.The Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) deadline is approaching, with clubs having just one week to finalize their decisions on summer train-on players. At Essendon, Tom Edwards made a strong case for securing a spot on the Bombers' list. In a practice match against the Western Bulldogs, Edwards scored four goals, contributing significantly to Essendon's 19-point victory. Edwards, who entered the match in the second half, showcased his ability to score goals in various situations, proving his potential to excel at the top level. Fellow SSP hopeful, Isaac Kako, selected with pick No.13 in last year's national draft, also impressed in his debut for Essendon. His skillful pick-up and delivery in the second quarter drew praise, and he followed up the play with a sharp snap to score. The Bulldogs, missing several key players including Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Dale, Adam Treloar, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Liam Jones, and Jason Johannisen, rested a number of players after halftime. Essendon was also without several key players, including Darcy Parish, Ben McKay, Mordan Ridley, Sam Durham, and Matt Guelfi. However, Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy made a significant impact early on, kicking 1.2 and taking two powerful marks in the first quarter

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AFL Josh Lai Port Adelaide Essendon Tom Edwards Supplemental Selection Period SSP

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