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Sam Skinner underwent three knee reconstructions during his time at Brisbane, but he's hoping for a change of fortunes after signing with Port Adelaide.

Former Brisbane big man Sam Skinner says being handed an AFL lifeline by Port Adelaide means the world to him and he can't wait to get cracking.

The Power signed Skinner as a delisted free agent on Thursday on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old played just three games over five years at Brisbane before being cut loose at the end of 2020.

Skinner, who underwent three knee reconstructions during his time at the Lions, trained with North Melbourne ahead of the 2021 AFL season but failed to land a spot on their list.

The 197cm swingman moved to SANFL club South Adelaide in a bid to keep his AFL dream alive and a strong season convinced Port Adelaide to take a punt on him.

Skinner averaged 14 disposals and six marks per game for South Adelaide and starred with 11 intercept marks in the club's semi-final win over Norwood.

He ended the season with 16 goals from 21 games in a campaign where he played as both a key forward and a key defender.

"It means everything to get this chance," Skinner said.

"My partner and I moved to Adelaide to play in the SANFL to try and get another crack at it.

"It was a big thing to pack our things up and move across after South Adelaide gave me a chance, so it means the world to both of us and my family to get that call today that Port Adelaide is willing to give me a chance.

"When I finished up at Brisbane I felt like I still had a lot to give and I aspired to get back on an AFL list, so to get an opportunity to do that I'm just really keen to get cracking."

Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps said the club liked Skinner's athleticism, aggression, versatility and competitiveness.

"While he has shown an ability to play at either end of the ground we see him playing mostly in the backline, where he performed strongly with South Adelaide in the back half of the 2021 season," Cripps said.

The Bombers delisted midfielder Dylan Clarke on Wednesday, but the 23-year-old is set to continue training with the club in the hope of being added back onto the list as a pre-season supplemental selection signing.