IT WILL be a guessing game for the Power's opening JLT Community Series game against St Kilda on Thursday night.

At least it will be until Tuesday before midday, when Port releases its first formal side for the year. 

Traditionally, clubs will use at least one of their three pre-season trial games to try a younger side.

Logic would suggest any such side would be played on the long trip to Mount Gambier - against the Tigers - next week, especially given the Power play at Etihad Stadium - a venue they will return to in Round 12 - this week.

The Power would almost certainly field their strongest available side in the final hit out against the Hawks at Hickinbotham Oval on Sunday 12 March.

Injuries aren't a significant concern for the Power though, with only a handful of players missing last Friday's internal trial game.

Dougal Howard (ACL), Angus Monfries (shoulder) and Jesse Palmer (groin) won't play this week, while the Power will assess Robbie Gray, Darcy Byrne-Jones and off-season recruit Todd Marshall early this week, with a full injury update to follow on Tuesday. 

The Saints have a relatively clean bill of health at the moment. 

Port Adelaide plays St Kilda at 7.40pm (AEST) at Etihad Stadium in its opening JLT Community Series game on Thursday 23 February.

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