This story originally appeared on afl.com.au

PORT Adelaide defender Dan Houston has been left out of the side for Sunday's game against Gold Coast in China.

The 19-year-old wasn't among the 25 players who flew out of Adelaide for Shanghai in two groups on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Houston is the only change to the team that lost to West Coast last weekend, while Brendon Ah Chee, Aidyn Johnson, Logan Austin and Karl Amon come into the extended squad.

Experienced forward Angus Monfries has also been overlooked after two impressive games in the SANFL, while 10 goals in the past two weeks in the state league wasn't enough for 27-year-old rookie Brett Eddy to force his way back into the team.

Eddy played the first three games of the season for the Power, but there are question marks over the defensive side of his game.

Houston has paid the price for a poor couple of weeks, along with the Power wanting to get a better balance in the side.

He's played all seven games this season across half-back, but had just 14 disposals in the 83-point win against the Brisbane Lions in round six, and 12 touches in the 10-point defeat to the Eagles.

Amon was unlucky to be dropped last weekend after 21 possessions and six inside 50s against the Lions.

He made way for the return of captain Travis Boak from injury.

Johnson had an impressive debut in the round five thumping of Carlton, booting two goals and having 14 touches.

Ah Chee could get his opportunity in the midfield if the Power decides to rest rookie sensation Sam Powell-Pepper, who had just 10 possessions against the Eagles.

Austin will go over as cover for the Power's key defenders, and showed last year he is more than capable in the senior side.

The Power will have its first training session in Shanghai on Thursday.

 

More on portadelaidefc.com.au