AT HIS heaviest he weighed 150kg and just 18 months ago he was lumbering around country football ovals.

On Friday, Sam Baulderstone will undergo testing with Port Adelaide at Alberton as a man who is attracting legitimate AFL interest.

The Norwood premiership ruckman has shed 40kg during his remarkable transformation and shapes as an AFL rookie draft smoky, after impressing with his football smarts in the SANFL this year.

Baulderstone played down his test session at Alberton today, but confirmed he had nominated for this year's drafts.

"I've had a little bit on contact from clubs,'' he said.

"I'll spend a day at the Power doing some testing, which doesn't come with any guarantees.

"They just want to have a look at me."

Baulderstone spent 2012 playing in the Great Southern Football League with Mount Compass and had a playing weight of about 140kg.

A self confessed fast food junkie at the time, the ruckman received an unexpected phone call from Essendon's recruiting officer Merv Keane late in the season.

Having impressed during the state country championships in NSW, Baulderstone was flown to Windy Hill for a series of tests.

The Bombers overlooked him at last year's drafts but the shock phone call triggered a dramatic turnaround in the 22-year-old's diet and fitness regime.

Baulderstone shed 28kg last pre-season and joined Norwood, going on to play in nine league games and a premiership.

The left footer averaged 12 possessions and 25 hit-outs per match at league level and impressed with his skills and smarts, prompting AFL interest from Port and other clubs.

"I was pretty happy with my consistency for my first year back in the SANFL system,'' the former North Adelaide reserves player said.

"I still think I need to improve my overall fitness and strength.

"There were times when I got pushed aside in ruck contests but that will come with time in the gym."

Baulderstone believes he is likely to need another year at Norwood before he will become a serious draft target and will start pre-season at The Parade in coming weeks, barring a surprise AFL call-up.

As for his diet, the Whyalla-born player says he has ditched the junk food permanently. His staples now consist of lean meats, fruit and vegetables.

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