Carlile, 21, played all 22 games for the Power this year, proving to be the ideal replacement for retired premiership player Darryl Wakelin.

Carlile was recruited by the Power from the Rovers and Murray Bushrangers with pick No.44 in the 2005 national draft.

Born in Lautoka, Fiji, Carlile is the second cousin of teammate David Rodan, who was also a Rising Star nominee with his previous club Richmond.

“Alipate has been an absolute shining light for us this season,” Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said.

“He has come in after just a handful of games last year and basically been a straight replacement for a club legend in Darryl Wakelin.

“He is a great story, having been born in Fiji, and coming from country Victoria to us and developing so quickly into a reliable defender that the coaching staff now completely trusts with all the big jobs.”

The 2008 Rising Star winner will be named tomorrow with Fremantle’s Rhys Palmer the hot favourite to win the award.