PORT Adelaide’s clash with the Western Bulldogs in Darwin looms as a critical match for the Power’s season.

The selection committees at Alberton and Whitten Oval will have plenty of big decisions to make ahead of team announcements at 6pm on Thursday.

Port Adelaide
Alan Richardson confirmed to Members on Tuesday that Jake Neade will return to play in his home state on Saturday night.

Neade will add much-needed defensive pressure and pace up forward and free up the likes of Gray and Wingard to spend more time in the midfield.

Neade’s inclusion will make it hard for Cam Hitchcock to fit into the side after another good performance for the Bays in the SANFL.

Matthew Lobbe was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury against the Cats – replaced in the side by John Butcher – and could return to the side to support Jarrad Redden against in-form ruckman Will Minson. Brent Renouf is also close to a return from a knee injury.

Whether the selection committee sees fit to play two ruckmen in the slippery conditions in Darwin remains to be seen.

Jack Hombsch impressed for Sturt in the local league and continues to press for selection. Given Ken Hinkley has openly stated his desire to bring in another tall down back, Hombsch will be in serious contention to make his PAFC debut.

Paul Stewart – who impressed for the Eagles after being dropped last week – and Lewis Stevenson will also be around the mark, but it’s difficult to see who they’d replace given Neade is a certain inclusion.

Nick Salter booted 6.3 for the Eagles in the local league but Richardson suggested he’d spend a bit more time in the SANFL, having only played five games back from a lengthy absence due to a foot injury.

John Butcher came under scrutiny for his poor kicking against the Cats, but Ken Hinkley strongly defended his key forward suggesting he’ll play again this week.

Port Adelaide injury list
Jake Neade - rested (assess)
Matthew Lobbe - ankle (assess)
Brett Ebert - adductor (assess)
Brent Renouf - knee (assess)
Dom Cassisi - hamstring (3 weeks)
Jasper Pittard - hip flexor (3 weeks)
Jackson Trengove - foot (6 weeks)

Western Bulldogs
Don’t expect too many changes for the Dogs after their gutsy win over the Saints on Saturday.

The Bulldogs injury list is looking quite short, but it still features the key name of Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney, who will not return against the Power this Saturday.

It’s been confirmed Cooney will return in Round 12, after the Dogs’ bye.

Western Bulldogs VFL affiliate Williamstown had a huge win over Bendigo, storming home by 176 points with several Dogs players performing well.

Pushing hardest for selection are veteran Daniel Cross, young gun Mitch Wallis and forward Jarrad Grant – who booted four goals in the rout.

Bulldogs injury list
Adam Cooney (hamstring) – 1 week
Josh Prudden (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Tory Dickson (ankle) – 2 weeks
Ayce Cordy (fibula stress fracture) – 2 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) – 1-3 weeks
Lin Jong (leg) – 3 weeks
Shaun Higgins (foot) - season