HIS path to the AFL may have been unconventional, but Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is confident Johann Wagner is capable of competing at the top level.

Wagner was rookie-listed to the club after winning Foxtel’s reality show The Recruit, however the real challenge only began once he entered the club.

“He’s just settling into AFL football to be honest, as much as the show has been really exciting for everyone to watch, it’s a real challenge for Yoey to come into an AFL program full bore,” Hinkley said.

With Port Adelaide recognised for their conditioning, Wagner was thrown into one of the toughest training camps in the league when he travelled to Dubai with the club.

For the 23 year old, it was an eye opening experience into the intensity AFL players train at on a daily basis.

“He’s really battled with his body at times but he’s just in the last three or four weeks started to get control of the intensity we train at and every session having to back it up.

“What he has been able to show on the training track is that he’s got some real talent.

Wagner’s first opportunity to wear the Port guernsey will be in the club’s match simulation on Friday night, with Hinkley suggesting an AFL debut is not out of the question.

“He’ll start off in our SANFL side and hopefully build his season through there, and with a little bit of luck you just don’t know.

“He’s got the opportunity so he’s got to make the most of it.”