THE MAGPIES are back in September and pumped for the journey ahead.

And they’ll be led by skipper Steven Summerton, who will slot back into the team after missing the minor round closer against North.

Summerton has led Port’s two most recent finals campaigns in 2014 and 2015.

Those ended in disappointment for Port Adelaide, with a grand final loss to Norwood the first time, and a straight-sets exit in 2015.

Port has been one of the season’s form teams, but Summerton rates Sturt as the premiership favourite – setting up a tantalising battle at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s an exciting time of the year - when you put yourself into the finals, you just want it to arrive. It’s good to be there,” Summerton told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“I think [Sturt] are probably the form team of the comp, and probably the team to beat.

“It’s a massive challenge this week, but something all the players are looking forward to.”

Port will have five ‘contracted’ SANFL players including Summerton take the field on Saturday afternoon, with high-performing Louis Sharrad, Robbie Young and Tom Gray to be among those picked.

They played strongly in their league recall last Saturday against North Adelaide, with Sharrad (27 disposals) and Young (four goals) leading the charge.

“Guys like Tommy Gray, Louis Sharrad and Robbie Young have been in great, great form all year. We want those guys to step straight back in and play a role for the team,” Summerton said.

The road to the grand final isn’t easy for Port, with the winner of the qualifying final to be set against the minor premier Eagles in the second semi final.

A win there is a direct ticket to the grand final, while a loss sets up a preliminary final appointment.

Summerton says disappointment of previous seasons will motivate the playing group, and expects the Magpies to fight to deliver a win for their fans on Saturday.

“Obviously going back to 2014 where we made it to the big dance and fell just short, that should spur the boys onto this weekend and, hopefully, for the games to come,” he said.

“Hopefully the supporters come out in numbers, especially with the AFL having the weekend off.

“We want to get as many down there to support the boys, and hopefully deliver them a win.”

Port Adelaide plays Sturt in the SANFL Qualifying Final at 3.10pm on Saturday 2 September at Adelaide Oval.

More on portadelaidefc.com.au