News Josh Lai - Line breaking Victorian speedster has medical and trains with Power with a view to SSP spot

[Holden Hillbilly]

Line-breaking suburban footballer Josh Lai is in the mix to land on an AFL list, set to train with Port Adelaide for one of its Supplemental Selection Period spots. Lai, from Cheltenham in Melbourne’s Southern league, will train with the Power over the pre-season after having a medical at the club on Friday.

The 19-year-old will be one of the stories of the off-season if he is to be swept up by the Power, having never played any VFL or Coates Talent League matches. Lai sat out most of 2023 with a foot injury and has played just 12 games of senior football. He started 2024 in the under-19s and played a game in the reserves before making his debut.

Lai’s brave run and carry, which has reportedly impressed Port Adelaide, won him the best-on-ground medal in Cheltenham’s premiership win in September. The right-footer was set to play VFL for Richmond in 2025 and attended training at Punt Rd last Monday.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/hes-got-explosive-pace-local-young-gun-josh-lai-sprints-into-afl-contention/news-story/f5926a12885196dfa669eb38c6073033?amp

 

[Sleezy]

I like this. Jack Watkins, not taking Rome Burgoyne just because he's a father son. Jez McLennan at the Magpies.

A sign that we're starting to take the bottom spots on the list seriously again.

Perhaps Logan Evans was an eye opener as to the possibilities that having a few players vying for a spot can open up.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Interesting. Has a bit of a leg on him (in video below). Described as having explosive pace. His coach also spoke highly of his courage.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/josh-lai-kicks-truly/video/1410317efa53515c8278b88fd027ae7d

 

[DaTBird187]

He's got the speed, but does he have the endurance?

#searchfortotalfootball

 

[Ford Fairlane]

He's got the speed, but does he have the endurance?

#searchfortotalfootball

That don't impress me much

 

[EskimoPAFC]

If I have to hear Dwayne Russell say "Lai... kicks truly" even one ****ing time I'm burning my membership

 

[Ford Fairlane]

 

[Steve Dore]

He's got the speed, but does he have the endurance?

#searchfortotalfootball

It's an elusive unique blend.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Josh is also a twin.

 

[Grave Danger]

Watkins (or Zak) will probably spear tackle him at the first opportunity - if they can catch him...

 

[Rash]

what position does this guy play?

 

[Duckimus Prime]

100m dash?

Excuse me for not being excited about possibly picking up a guy that even the CTL recruiters passed on...

 

[powerrrrrrrrrrrr]

Interesting. Taking the Geelong approach of grabbing unknowns.
Hopefully like them, he ends up being a multiple AA player then.

 

[PortAdelFC1997]

Interesting. Taking the Geelong approach of grabbing unknowns.
Hopefully like them, he ends up being a multiple AA player then.

We take Geelong rejects though and look how they turn out.

 

[Peninsula Boy]

I'm down with it.

 

[Portwon]

Interesting. Open tryouts next or we wait for the next Wayne Johnson (I think it was?) to walk in off the street and ask for a kick.

Don't mind it as an abstract concept. Although most in the non higher leagues do so for a variety of reasons (talent, time attitude) have always thought there might be hidden gems out there that a great eye would spot that just need the right environment, push or chance to shine.

Will see how it works in practice.

Good luck to the flash.

 

[Port 2004]

100m dash?

Excuse me for not being excited about possibly picking up a guy that even the CTL recruiters passed on...

Well it has worked for other clubs in the past. So what is the best option? Just ignore talent because they haven’t come through under the under 18 system or WAFL/sanfl.

 

[MrPower]

Pickering has always valued Lai’s courage as much as his speed.
“There was one bit of play where he received a handball which set him up beautifully, he knew he was going to cop it, took it and got straight back up,” Pickering said.
“He’s not afraid to back into a pack even if he doesn’t mark it, he puts his head over the ball and is still only learning the caper but you don’t lose that.
“Just because you go to a higher level it doesn’t mean you lose your courage, it’s hard to get courage … it’s obviously in the DNA.”

 

[PortAdelFC1997]

What's his profile? Height, position etc.

 

[powermacs]

100m dash?

Excuse me for not being excited about possibly picking up a guy that even the CTL recruiters passed on...

Nope, Rate this. To think people peak at 16 or 17 is crazy. Worst case he does a preseason with us and is sent home. Best case he takes the last spot on our list. Absolutely nothing to lose but plenty to gain.

 

[Lefti93]

I wonder if the great man Robbie Gray has had any influence on this.

 

[theouthouse]

Josh is also a twin.

Just hope he's the good Lai and not the bad Lai.

 

[JimmyBC]

what position does this guy play?

Speedster

 

[Tibbs]

100m dash?

Excuse me for not being excited about possibly picking up a guy that even the CTL recruiters passed on...

 

[davesnothere]

No shortage of potential players that could come in though non traditional pathways. The Irish and indigenous players for example.