AFTER five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Hamish Hartlett is in line to return against the Dockers in Round 18.
The 21-year-old will face a fitness test at training at AAMI Stadium on Thursday to prove he’s recovered from the hamstring strain suffered against the Bulldogs in Round 12.
Prior to his hamstring injury, Hartlett had played all 12 games for the Power in 2012, starring with best on ground performances in wins over St Kilda in Round 1 and Carlton in Round 10.
Jacob Surjan is the only other player likely to return to from injury this week, with the veteran defender battling to prove his fitness after suffering a glute injury in the Showdown.
Surjan could replace Jasper Pittard, who - as reported earlier on PortAdelaideFC.com.au - remains in hospital with rib and lung injuries.
Pittard will travel back to Adelaide via train and be assessed upon his return to determine how long he’ll miss.
Jay Schulz continues to make progress in his recovery from a rib injury and is now listed as just two to three weeks away from playing.
Schulz has improved his running ability over the course of the past week but will continue to be monitored to ensure his blood clot is dissipating.
David Rodan continues to struggle with a hamstring injury and has already been ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Fremantle.
Rodan has faced fitness tests the past two weeks but on both occasions has failed them, with the decision being made to give him a light week on the track so he has the best possible chance of returning in Round 19.
Brent Renouf faces ongoing assessment on the knee injury which has hampered him over the past month and remains unlikely to play against the Dockers.
Meanwhile, Nick Salter has been hit by another setback, suffering pain in the same foot he had a screw inserted earlier in the year.
General Manager - Football Operations Peter Rohde said Salter had not suffered another fracture.
“We believe it’s an irritation because of the screw he had put in earlier in the year,” Rohde said.
“We’re confident he hasn’t suffered another fracture.”
Full injury list - as at Monday July 23
John Butcher, hip - 1-2 weeks
Robbie Gray, knee - season
Hamish Hartlett, hamstring - test
Cam O’Shea, foot stress fracture - 5-6 weeks
Jasper Pittard, rib/lung - TBC
Brent Renouf, knee - TBC
David Rodan, hamstring - 1 week
Nick Salter, foot - TBC
Jay Schulz, abdomen - 2-3 weeks
Jacob Surjan, glute - test
