IN: Kirk, Carter, Westbrook, Turner, Barkla, Weidemann
OUT: Motlop (Retired), Duursma (AFL), McKenzie (AFL), Teakle (AFL), Mead (AFL), Jackson (Ill), Lee (Inj), Corcoran (Inj)
PORT ADELAIDE has made several changes at the selection table including bringing in a debutant for its SANFL game against Sturt on Saturday.
Having enjoyed a week off as the competition went on pause, the Magpies will be out to win back-to-back matches for the first time this season when they visit Unley Oval.
Steven Motlop’s retirement this week sees him drop out of the side which beat Central District in the club’s last SANFL outing, while Xavier Duursma, Jackson Mead, Trent McKenzie and Brynn Teakle have each been called up to the AFL side. Duursma and McKenzie featured last week against Collingwood at the MCG.
Hugh Jackson won’t tackle the Double Blues through illness, while injuries to SANFL contracted defenders Jackson Lee (knee) and Tom Corcoran (hamstring) will keep them out.
It opens the door for Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy product Nathan Barkla to make his SANFL debut, under an agreement with the SANFL and his parent club Woodville-West Torrens. Barkla has been averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 clearances and 3.6 tackles per game in 12 Under 18 matches for the Eagles this season, and recently represented South Australia at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championship.
In his draft year, Barkla has been given permission to spend the rest of the season with Port Adelaide to aid with his development. The teenager has been named at half forward and will wear the number 49.
A host of SANFL-contracted players have been named to return on Saturday with Brayden Kirk, Miller Carter, Jake Westbrook, Aidan Turner and Jake Weidemann all expected to line up against Sturt.
Forward Orazio Fantasia has retained his spot while Josh Sinn will also play a second game since returning from a long-term groin injury.
Any AFL emergency not required for Saturday night’s meeting with Richmond could drop back to play for the Magpies.
The game against Sturt will get underway at 2:10pm.
Round 17 Team Selection
F: D Visentini 38, O. Fantasia 13, A. Wilson 52
HF: C. Sutcliffe -C 1, T. Schofield 37, N. Barkla 49
C: E. Moore 46, S. Mayes 32, J. Sinn 8
HB: M. Frederick 45, D. Williams 23, B. Kirk 50
FB: S. Skinner 31, O. Lord 30, J. Weidemann 56
Foll: S. Hayes 25, T. Dumont 43, N. Moore 40
Int: J. Westbrook 54, A. Turner 58, M. Carter 51
