Charlie Dixon of the Power clashes with Stefan Martin of the Lions during the 2019 AFL round 17 match between the Port Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval

BRISBANE will be forced into at least one change at the selection table with captain Dayne Zorko’s calf injury to keep him out of multiple games.

Zorko couldn’t finish the game in his side’s Round 4 win over Adelaide and scans have revealed he has a minor calf strain.

It’s better news for veteran Ruckman Stefan Martin who will need to prove his fitness for selection on Thursday after a couple of weeks on the sideline.

The big man’s absence has meant Archie Smith has been partnering Oscar McInerney in the ruck, and he could make way if Martin was to return.

Midfielder Thomas Berry, who was omitted to allow Zorko to return last week is a chance to come straight back in but Lions Academy product Connor Ballenden is edging closer to his club debut and Mitch Hinge – brother of Port Adelaide Player Welfare and Development Manager, John Hinge – and Alex Witherden are also in contention. 

The Lions are the league’s third-highest scoring side with Port Adelaide the highest scoring, although the home team could have been way out in front had they kicked straighter against Adelaide. They finished the Round 4 game 37 points in front but it could have been a lot more because they kicked an inaccurate 10.23.

Brisbane will name its side to face the top-of-the-table Port Adelaide side on Thursday evening.