PORT ADELAIDE could go into an AFL game with an unchanged line-up for the first time in the 2020 season with no injuries reported out of last Saturday’s win over West Coast.
Defender Ryan Burton is hoping to prove his fitness to make a surprise return from minor knee surgery against Brisbane on Saturday night, a week ahead of schedule.
The 23-year-old will need to train strongly tomorrow and convince the coaches that he is ready to resume if he is to be selected.
While there will be no enforced change, and coaches often elect to reward a winning team, a number of Port Adelaide players have been waiting in the wings for their opportunity.
Jarrod Lienert, who featured in Round 1, has been an emergency in each game since and Sam Mayes has performed strongly in practice matches and training to give himself every opportunity to be chosen.
Versatile tall Jack Watts is also performing strongly and edging closer to a return at AFL level, more than a year after a shocking leg injury.
Young forward Mitch Georgiades, who booted two goals on debut against the Gold Coast in Round 1, will also come into consideration.
Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name its team to tackle the Lions at the Gabba in Brisbane.
