Another strong showing in the SANFL could push Xavier Duursma closer to a return to the AFL side this weekend. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE could potentially go into Sunday’s clash with Melbourne with an unchanged line-up, in a rare occurrence for the club this season.

With no injuries reported out of the game, coach Ken Hinkley and the selection committee could opt to stick with the team that beat Greater Western Sydney by 55 points last Saturday night.

Much has been made of the ruck battle against reigning premier Melbourne, who boast the premiership ruck duo of Max Gawn and Luke Jackson, and whether Scott Lycett would return to the AFL line-up for the first time since dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery thanks to a tangle with Gawn in their previous encounter in Round 4.

However, while Lycett returned to the field for the first time in the SANFL at the weekend, gathering 16 disposals, 13 hit-outs and a goal, he has been ruled out of making the trip to Alice Springs after signs of infection were detected in his shoulder.

Others to impress in the SANFL loss to Woodville-West Torrens included Steven Motlop, Xavier Duursma and Dylan Williams, who were each named among the best.

Motlop had a team-high 32 disposals to go with a game-high seven clearances, winning plenty of the ball in a primarily midfield role.

Steven Motlop was one of the Magpies' strongest performers in the SANFL, making a case for a return to the AFL side. Image: AFL Photos.

Duursma’s 20 disposals and four tackles added to six marks – a couple of them courageous defensive efforts in front of opponents – while Williams played across half back and gathered plenty of the ball. The 21-year-old, who usually plays forward, had seven marks and 24 disposals – rebounding from defensive 50 on ten occasions.

There are others pushing to be on the plane to Alice Springs as well, with defender Trent McKenzie ready to resume after sitting out the win over the Giants with illness, fellow backman Riley Bonner cleared to play following surgery on a fractured cheek and eye socket, and recent Rising Star nominee Lachie Jones eager to prove he has overcome a hamstring complaint that kept him out last weekend.

Jed McEntee was the unused medical substitute in the Giants game and Sam Mayes was an unused emergency, and both are also in the selection mix.

Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name an extended squad for Sunday’s game against Melbourne.

The squad will be trimmed to 22 and four emergencies on Friday afternoon.

First bounce at TIO Traeger Park is at 2:50pm ACST.