Port Adelaide train-on prospect Jack Watkins has earned further praise from the Power's top line of players for his competitiveness amid a push for an AFL contract.

Watkins has been training at Alberton since November as he looks to secure a vacant list spot via the Supplemental Selection Period, with the Power having one vacancy on offer.

The North Melbourne VFL captain is training alongside Victorian teenager Josh Lai, who was invited to the Power weeks after Watkins after a connection through local club Cheltenham.

Watkins, a member of the VFL's 2024 Team of the Year, had his own links at Port Adelaide, hailing from Darley in regional Victoria - the same club as two-time John Cahill Medal winner Zak Butters.

During his training stint under coach Ken Hinkley, Watkins has continued to be lauded by Power teammates as he eyes a senior list spot.

His drive and competitiveness have caught the eye of star youngster Jason Horne-Francis, who stated Watkins might have Butters covered for toughness.

"As a midfield group we're looking pretty good. Jack Watkins has come in and has been training with us," Horne-Francis said on Monday.

Port Adelaide Power train-on prospect Jack Watkins (Image: Matt Sampson, Port Adelaide FC)

"He's been unreal. I'd almost say he's tougher than 'Buttsy', and that's hard to do. The Darley boys are pretty tough.

"He's been really good."

The Power have less than three weeks to make a decision on their two SSP prospects, with the signing deadline set for February 21.

The club could open a second list spot up and sign both Watkins and Lai by moving injured forward Todd Marshall to their inactive list.

Watkins is one of five VFL players pushing for AFL contracts through the SSP this summer, hoping to join Southport's Ben Jepson - who signed with Gold Coast last week - in being successful.

The SSP has also seen Norwood ruckman Harry Boyd secure a spot with St Kilda, while former AFL-listed trio Matt Carroll (Carlton), Jaxon Prior (Essendon) and Quinton Narkle (Fremantle) have all landed career lifelines.