An experienced midfielder and a rising defender headline a list of players in the mix for selection for Port Adelaide’s Friday night blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs.

Sam Mayes could not have done much more to make his case for an AFL recall with 33 disposals in the SANFL win over Glenelg on Sunday.

Having travelled to Cairns as an emergency for the game the night before, Mayes showed no ill-effects of his return trip, adding eight tackles, a goal and a game-high ten clearances to his stat sheet in the three-point win over the previously unbeaten Tigers.

Another AFL emergency, Jake Pasini, had a strong showing at the Bay as well with 15 disposals, four tackles and 11 rebound 50s.

The third-year 192cm backman is having a strong season patrolling the defence as he seeks to press his claims for an AFL debut.

Fresh off being the medical sub in Cairns, Xavier Duursma racked up 18 disposals in three quarters against Glenelg. Looking to break back into the AFL starting 22, he also registered three clearances and five tackles.

Taj Schofield (24 disposals, two goals) and Jed McEntee (23 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) contributed strongly in the midfield while Lachie Jones (18 disposals, seven tackles) and Martin Frederick (16 disposals, three tackles) were also important across half back and in the midfield at times.

Tall forward Ollie Lord was again prominent and is another aiming to show he is ready for an AFL debut. The 20-year-old took six strong marks, had 12 touches, seven hit-outs and five tackles, and added two important goals as he continues his impressive start to the season.

If not selected at AFL level, Lord could be assisted in the SANFL for Saturday’s game against Woodville-West Torrens by the return of big forward Charlie Dixon from injury, though Dixon will need some match fitness before he is ready to be selected for the AFL side.

Port Adelaide will name its side for Friday night’s game against the Dogs on Thursday evening.