Hitchcock, 19, has been a revelation inside-50 for the Power this pre-season.
He booted six goals in the opening two rounds of the NAB Cup, including four in the win over West Coast last month.
Hitchcock’s elevation to Port Adelaide’s senior list won’t be official until the paperwork is lodged with the AFL later this week, but he was informed of the club’s intentions on Tuesday night.
“I had a meeting with Choc [coach Mark Williams] last night and he told me that the club was going to upgrade me today,” Hitchcock said on Wednesday.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing so far in the NAB Cup and this is a great opportunity for me.”
Hitchcock’s promotion to the senior list is likely to come at the expense of former Carlton and Collingwood utility Cameron Cloke.
Hitchcock and Cloke started the NAB Cup competition in a race for the solitary, vacant spot on the Power’s senior list created by the long-term knee injury to midfielder David Rodan.
Port Adelaide has since opened up another place in its primary squad by placing Butcher (back) on the long-term injury list, but Cloke is unlikely to be elevated now with Rodan on track for a potential round-two return.
Hitchcock said the prospect of being elevated to the senior list had provided extra incentive over the summer months.
“I think it’s great for the club to have that competition for spots. It keeps everyone on edge and knowing that they have to perform each week,” he said.
“Clokey has had a great pre-season as well and I reckon he’s still around the mark.”
Hitchcock, who has been compared to St Kilda goalsneak Steven Milne, kicked 80 goals for Glenelg in the under-18 and reserves competitions last year and was a member of the club’s premiership-winning reserves side.
The lightning-quick teenager was snapped up with pick No.12 in the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and impressed the coaching staff at Alberton from day one.
An eye socket injury to fellow small forward Wade Thompson has further enhanced Hitchcock’s chances of a round-one debut, but he said he was reluctant to look past Wednesday’s training session.
“There’s still a week-and-a-half until round one, so I’ve got to keep an emphasis on training well and I’ll see how I go from there,” Hitchcock said.
“You try not to get ahead of yourself because I haven’t played a proper AFL game yet. I’ve only played four NAB Cup games, so I’ve still got a long way to go and you can always keep learning and improving.”
Hitchcock is the lightest player on Port Adelaide’s list, weighing in at just 70kg.
He copped a knock to his shoulder in the NAB Cup-opener against Adelaide, but said he was confident his body could withstand the rigours of regular AFL football.
“The plan is to put a bit of weight on, but I’ve been this size for as long as I can remember so I’m kind of used to it now.”
