In a parellel universe, Bell might well be preparing for an A-League campaign with the Western Sydney Wanderers, like junior teammate Tate Russell, son of former Illawarra Steelers player Ian.

Instead, Bell launched headlong into an Australian football career after securing a spot in the Swans Academy.

Earlier in the week, Bell sealed his spot for an AFL debut after coach John Longmire jokingly challenged him to produce his best dance moves to prove he was worthy of selection. But behind the laughs, as the players crowded around in celebration at being picked, come the years of dedication, after making the decision to pursue a life in AFL.

"He's worked so hard, all those little sacrifices he has to make to be in the squad," sister Talarah, who launched Shellharbour's first-ever AFL South Coast women's team as captain this year, said.

"It's really surreal, to think the little brother who you'd kick the soccer ball or the footy around will be playing on the big stage.

"It's been a pretty stressful week for him, just with all the attention and messages he's been getting, but I know when it comes, he's ready to make the most of it."

It was a raw moment this week when the Swans recorded Bell calling mother Catherine to let her know he was playing.

"Oh son, I'm so proud. Love you son, I'm proud of you," Catherine ended the call, with tears at either end of the phone.

Talarah will join Catherine and father Jim at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with first bounce against Port Power at 2.10pm.

Bell moved to Sydney to train with the Swans, and work as an SCG groundsman, with recruitment manager Kinnear Beatson acknowledging the lengths the now 20-year-old went to in a story with the Mercury, when he was drafted as a rookie in 2017.

"It's a great reward for having made the difficult decision to give up soccer to pursue AFL and then relocating from Shellharbour," Beatson said.

With explosive pace, Bell is a versatile midfielder and named to start on the wing against the Power.

Adding to the significance of his selection, Bell becomes the third player from the Illawarra to make the AFL, after Arthur Chilcott played 13 games for the Swans in 1984 and 1985 and Aidan Riley played 25 games for Adelaide and Melbourne from 2011 to 2015.

"It's pretty special," Talarah said. "But it shows the kids here it can be done."

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