COMPETITION for spots has never been higher for the Power’s season opener this weekend as they prepare to take on St Kilda at home on Easter Sunday.
portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix to hit the Adelaide Oval turf for both sides.
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Port Adelaide
Young talent shining through during pre-season, new recruits and the return of several key players from injury means contention for a place is very tight, according to the skipper.
“There’s going to be guys who have had a great preseason and played some quality NAB challenge games that are going to miss out – that’s the beauty of having a good quality list,” Travis Boak said on Monday.
“With the inclusions of Toumpas and Charlie, Sammy Gray, ‘Arch’ [Brendon Ah Chee] – these sort of guys – there’s a lot of fight for sports, and that’s what we want to have.”
New recruit Charlie Dixon is likely to make his club debut for the Power following an explosive second half against Richmond at last weekend, while fellow trade product Jimmy Toumpas is also available for selection.
While Boak pointed to Brendon Ah Chee and Sam Gray as possible inclusions, young blood Jake Neade and Karl Amon are also chance to be named after impressive pre-season performances.
Sunday’s clash is also set to see the anticipated return of key midfielder Jared Polec, along with speedster Matt White and Ollie Wines who both suffered injuries in the back end of season 2015.
AFL prospects Nathan Krakouer (jaw/suspension) and Tom Clurey (foot) remain sidelined with injuries.
Sam Colquhoun and Cam O’Shea are also a chance to be named in the top side, but will probably suit up for the Magpies on Thursday night.
The Magpies will kick off their SANFL League season against Norwood at the Parade.
Port Adelaide's most recent team – NAB 3 v Richmond
FB: HB: Jarman Impey, Jack Hombsch, Jasper Pittard
C: Hamish Hartlett, Brendon Ah Chee, Travis Boak
HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
FF: Dougal Howard, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines
I/C: Sam Gray, Jimmy Toumpas, Jackson Trengove, Jake Neade, Charlie Dixon, Karl Amon
Port Adelaide injury list
Will Snelling – virus (1 week)
Riley Bonner – hamstring (1 week)
Nathan Krakouer – jaw (3-5 weeks)
Billy Frampton – foot (4 weeks)
Dan Houston – hip/groin (4 weeks)
Tom Clurey – foot (4 weeks)
St Kilda
An injury scare nearly left St Kilda without their captain for Round 1, but Nick Riewoldt has since been cleared of a lower leg injury.
“The captain is fine,” the Saints’ high performance manager Jamie Cox told stkildafc.com.au.
“He obviously left the ground as what people reported as an injury, but he really got his leg just in time. He should be right for Round 1.”
Alan Richardson told media the Saints’ final hit out against the Dees was as close to a ‘full dress rehearsal’ ahead of Round 1, so we can expect to see a similar side hit the field.
Jimmy Webster (wrist) will face a fitness test to be deemed fit to play, while the experienced Leigh Montagna, Sam Fisher David Armitage and Jarryn Geary are expected to head the Saints’ squad.
Although the ruck position to face Port’s Matthew Lobbe on Sunday remains undecided – Tom Hickey and Jason Holmes played a strong half each against Melbourne, but Billy Longer could be given the opportunity after impressing in the VFL.
St Kilda’s most recent squad – NAB 2 v Melbourne
1. Tom Hickey
3. Jack Steven
4. Eli Templeton
5. Shane Savage
6. Sebastian Ross
7. Luke Dunstan
8. Blake Acres
9. Tom Lee
11. Leigh Montagna
12. Nick Riewoldt
13. Jack Lonie
14. Jarryn Geary
15. Jack Billings
16. Jack Newnes
17. Dylan Roberton
19. Sam Gilbert
20. David Armitage
22. Jade Gresham
24. Sean Dempster
25. Sam Fisher
26. Tom Curren
27. Josh Bruce
28. Tim Membrey
29. Jimmy Webster
34. Nathan Wright
44. Maverick Weller
45. Jason Holmes
St Kilda injury list
Nick Riewoldt – leg - available
Jimmy Webster – wrist – available
Nick O’Kearney – ankle - available
Port Adelaide hosts St Kilda in AFL Opening Round on Easter Sunday, March 27 at 2:50pm (ACDT).
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