A change to his off-season preparations for the 2025 SANFL season has proven to be the difference for Port Adelaide Mid-Season Draft addition Mani Liddy, who enjoyed a breakout start to his season with Central District.
Liddy, 23, was taken with Pick 16 at this week's Mid-Season Draft, joining Glenelg's Harrison Ramm and North Adelaide's Ewan Mackinley in venturing to Alberton.
The crafty midfielder enjoyed a strong first seven games for the Bulldogs this year, averaging 22.6 disposals, 3.4 tackles, 5.3 inside 50s, 5.0 clearances and a goal every second game.
He would also take out the Fos Williams Medal in South Australia's State Game defeat to Western Australia earlier this season to continue to build his case for an AFL call-up.
He spoke to the Power last Friday and underwent a medical three days later, with the AFL club securing the midfielder's services on Wednesday night.
The selection came after Liddy put more effort into his training and diet, even seeking out a nutritionist to best prepare for each game.
"I've always aspired to get to the AFL," he said on Thursday.
"I had a really big off-season and then I strung a few good games together and thought I'd be a chance a couple weeks out.
"I trained a lot harder (over the off-season) and put myself with some players who are really good runners, like Harry Grant, Leyton Chisholm and Wilson Barry.
"I've always been a good eater, mum's a chef, but I saw a nutritionist for how I can prepare for games better. It sort of helped a lot.
"Deep down, I always knew I could get there, I'm a very determined person. My journey's just starting."
Liddy will have to wait for his first game in Port Adelaide colours, with both the Power and Magpies having byes this week.
A matchup with West Adelaide in the SANFL next week looks the most likely club debut, while a game against his former club Central District will have to wait until August.
