WAGGA teenager Dougal Howard is still coming to terms with his future as an AFL player at Port Adelaide.

Howard's dream came true on Thursday night when he was picked up in the AFL Draft by Port Adelaide with the Power's first pick, selection number 56 overall.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was on the phone to Howard within a minute of the selection, which was then followed up by calls and text messages from the majority of players on the Power's list.

Howard was still coming to terms with the news yesterday as he also quickly tried to organise a passport with Port Adelaide set to leave for Dubai next week as part of a pre-season camp.

The 18-year-old said it was yet to sink in.

"Not yet, it's sort of a bit all surreal, I'm just really soaking it up at the moment," Howard said.

"It's just unbelievable, an unbelievable opportunity I've got and now I've just got to make the most of it.

"(Thursday) night I was just in shock at first, I just sat there and everyone jumped all over me.

"I'm just soaking it all up at the moment."

Howard has been to Adelaide a couple of times and will leave on Sunday to settle into his new home.

He said the effort from Port Adelaide players and staff to contact him since the draft has only enhanced his reputation of the club.

"Mum even received a phone call off one of the other player's mums," he said.

"It just seems to be an unreal place to be apart of.

"I can't wait to get over there and meet all of the boys, settle in and get stuck into pre-season."

Port Adelaide were just one kick away from an AFL grand final appearance this year.

Howard knows getting a game will not come easy and is prepared to do the required work.

"Now I've got the opportunity, I want to show I'm up for the task and what I can do to get some game time," he said.

"I think everyone sort of knows I'd be lucky to play a game this year.

"They probably see me as a player to develop for the next few years.

"At the moment, I just want to get fit, stay fit, string together some good games together and show what I can do."

Howard's selection by Port Adelaide was even a topic of discussion on Channel Seven's program Sunrise yesterday morning.

Howard enjoyed draft night with his family, parents Trevor and Christine, along with brothers Angus, Archie and sister Eliza.

He began playing Australian football in under 12s at East Wagga-Kooringal and then switched to Wagga Tigers for his senior football.

"Ever since (I started) I just wanted to play best footy I can, the highest possible level, now that I've made it, it's all worked out well," he said.