WITH the side heading north this week to take on Melbourne in Alice Springs, portadelaide.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for selection in Round 9 for both sides.

Port Adelaide
The retirement of Kane Cornes and an ankle injury to Jackson Trengove means there will be at least two forced changes to the side that faced Richmond.

Trengove has been cleared of any break to his ankle, but will miss between 4-6 weeks of football.

With the state team playing in Perth on Saturday there was no SANFL game for the Magpies, but a number of players have been biding their time in the Magpies and this week could be their opportunity to step up to the AFL side.

Matthew Broadbent was omitted for the Richmond game, but with Trengove’s injury he could be set to return as the extra defender Port need to create rebound from defence.

Paul Stewart has had a solid few weeks for the Magpies and was named as an emergency on the weekend, and could also be an inclusion given his experience playing at the AFL level.

Tom Clurey, Andrew Moore and Sam Colquhoun are also pushing for selection, with Kane Cornes retirement leaving a spot open for a run with player through the midfield, ideal for Colquhoun.

Brendon Ah Chee is another who has been in strong form in the SANFL. He’s played three AFL games this year – all as the sub – and has been solid on each occasion.

The Power’s forward line hasn’t been functioning at its best lately, so the coaching panel could look to bring in a different type of player to change the mix of the forward line.

Jake Neade, who booted three goals in his most recent outing for the Magpies, could be the livewire crumbing forward the Power has been lacking of late. Aaron Young has also spent time up forward and can pinch hit in the midfield when required.

Port Adelaide’s most recent team (v Richmond, Round 8)
FB: Jack Hombsch, Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile
HB: Jarman Impey, Tom Jonas, Jasper Pittard
C: Sam Gray, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert
HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
FF: Patrick Ryder, Jay Schulz, Angus Monfries
FOLL: Matthew Lobbe, Kane Cornes, Ollie Wines
INT: Hamish Hartlett, Matt White, Nathan Krakouer, Karl Amon
E: Kane Mitchell, Matthew Broadbent, Paul Stewart

Port Adelaide injury list
Jackson Trengove - ankle (4-6 weeks)
Billy Frampton – shins (1-2 weeks)*
Dougal Howard – lower leg (1-2 weeks)
Jared Polec – foot (6-8 weeks)*
*denotes long-term injury list

Melbourne
Melbourne are coming off a 39 point win over Western Bulldogs, and are sitting just behind Port Adelaide on the ladder at 14th with the same win/loss ratio.

The Dees may be forced to make one change with midfielder Matt Jones substituted from the field late in the game with concussion.

Melbourne’s reserve side Casey Scorpions also had a big win on the weekend defeating Richmond’s VFL side by 44 points, with a number of experienced players in good form.

Max Gawn did the majority of the ruck work, getting 21 disposals with 6 of them contested. Gawn also displayed his goal kicking prowess with three goals; his inclusion could cause concern for Port if he takes the field as another tall forward.

Jordie McKenzie is coming off the back of two strong games in the midfield, laying plenty of tackles and showing his talent as a close-checking player.

Other players putting their hands up are Dean Terlich and Oscar McDonald who played their best games for the season. However they may be out of luck as Paul Roos will be keen to keep a winning side on the field.

Melbourne’s most recent team (v Western Bulldogs, Round 8)
FB: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jack Grimes
HB: Jeremy Howe, Lynden Dunn, Heritier Lumumba
C: Daniel Cross, Aaron Vandenberg, Matt Jones
HF: Rohan Bail, Cameron Pedersen, Jack Watts
FF: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jack Fitzpatrick
FOLL: Jake Spencer, Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince
INT: Jimmy Toumpas, Angus Brayshaw, Ben Newton, Aidan Riley

Melbourne’s injury list (last updated 19 May)
Jay Kennedy-Harris - groin (2-3 weeks)
Sam Frost – toe (4-6 weeks)
Dean Kent – hamstring (8 weeks)
Christian Salem – hamstring (3-4 weeks)
Jack Viney – fibula (1-2 weeks)
Christian Petracca – knee *(season)
Jack Trengove – foot *(season)
*denotes long-term injury list.