After making the top 50 of contestants for the debut season of the FOX8 show ‘The Recruit’, Wagner elected not to participate further in the show.
It was only after a call from the show’s producers that he decided to join the full series, where his goal kicking and athletic prowess led to him being confirmed the best player of three finallists by the league’s recruiting managers on Wednesday.
As the winner of the show, Wagner chose Port Adelaide – the club he grew up supporting – as his home of choice.
As a category B rookie, Wagner will be able to join and develop with the Power for the 2015 season.
Formerly of Port Lincoln, the 23-year-old says the experience of signing his player contract with Port Adelaide’s chairman David Koch in front of a live audience was surreal.
“It was very surreal, it’s not often you can have club’s pitch to you for a draft, particularly in a normal draft,” said Wagner.
“It was a hard decision to make, obviously they [the other nominated clubs] all put up good pitches [to join them].”
Having supported Port Adelaide since an early age, Wagner is looking forward to the day he finally arrives back at Alberton Oval, having also played for the Magpies through its underage football program.
“Port Adelaide was always a strong pick for me, I’ve followed them ever since they came into the competition,” he said.
“I really like the way the club’s heading and I think I’ll settle in well there.
“They also play fast footy, which is the way I try to play, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m well aware of that.”
