TWO changes have been made to Port Adelaide’s team to play Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

John Butcher was confirmed by senior coach Ken Hinkley as a likely starter ahead of this morning’s main training session and will line up as the club’s centre half forward on Saturday.

He is a logical replacement for the suspended Justin Westhoff.

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But a further change has been made to the team with tall backman Jack Hombsch omitted and replaced by small midfielder Matt Thomas.

Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au the decision to replace Hombsch was made in the interests of team balance.

“It was more about the size that we are at the moment,” said Hinkley.

“We’re probably one player too tall with Jackson Trengove coming back.

“Hombschy’s played four out of five really solid games for us, he’s probably a bit unlucky to miss out this week.

“But we knew that when Jackson came back into our side we would push him into defence – that’s where he works best.

“We’ve done that and it’s forced a tall to come out.”

Matt Thomas replaces Hombsch after another run of good performances in the SANFL for Norwood.

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“Thommo’s form back in the SANFL is always right up with the best of our players every week,” said Hinkley.

“He plays tough, hard footy every time he plays in the SANFL and we think he deserves the opportunity to come back in.

“He was unlucky to go out of the side when he did but that’s what happens when you’re in good form as a team – if you’re just a little bit out of form you might find yourself squeezed out.

“It’s not a bad situation to have.”

Port Adelaide plays Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium at 1:15pm on Saturday.

Port Adelaide Round 16 team v Hawthorn
FB: Cameron O’Shea, Alipate Carlile, Tom Logan
HB: Matthew Broadbent, Tom Jonas, Paul Stewart
C: Chad Wingard, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes
HF: Robbie Gray, John Butcher, Angus Monfries
FF: Jackson Trengove, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade