PORT Adelaide coach Matthew Primus says Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett's likely return this week won't impact his match committee's decision on whether to recall midfielder Kane Cornes for the clash at AAMI Stadium on Easter Saturday.

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Cornes was a surprise omission from the team that took on Adelaide last weekend, and unlike Danyle Pearce, who was also dropped for the Showdown, he wasn't cleared to play for his SANFL club and instead trained on Saturday morning. 

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The triple best and fairest winner has a reputation as one of the best negating players in the competition, but the increase in interchange rotations in recent seasons and the introduction of the substitute rule have seen the Power move away from playing a designated tagger every week.

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 Ablett missed the Suns' loss to Melbourne at the Gabba on Sunday because of a calf complaint, but is expected to make the trip to Adelaide this week.

Power onballers Matt Thomas and Matthew Broadbent have both been used in partial run-with roles this season and Primus said Cornes' return wouldn't be determined by Ablett's availability.

"[Kane Cornes] will be some chance to play [this week], for sure. We have only had light sessions so we'll have a main one tomorrow morning and see how everyone pulls up," Primus said on Tuesday.

"Kane will continue to play some kind of role for us, but it's not determined by whether Gary comes in or not."

Ablett's leadership and commitment to Gold Coast has been questioned this week following his decision to remain in Melbourne for three days after the club's loss to the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago, and then failing to be fit for the game against Melbourne.

The Brownlow medallist hit back at his critics, including former Hawthorn champion Shane Crawford, on Twitter on Monday night, saying "I actually enjoy the doubters … it makes it more of a challenge to prove them wrong."

Primus conceded the criticism might inspire Ablett ahead of the game against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

"I think Gary has got a lot of pride anyway, so he'll be looking forward to coming over here," Primus said.

"It might stir him up a little bit but he has had a lot of controversy over the last 12 to 18 months, so I'm sure he'll deal with it.

"He's obviously an outstanding player and Gold Coast will be looking to get him back in the team if he's fit and available.

"They're a professional club, I'm sure they're all over it, and I'm sure Gary is as professional as anyone so he'd be doing the right thing also."

Primus also challenged his players to approach the game against the winless Gold Coast with "the right attitude" following the stirring win over Adelaide last weekend.

Katrina Gill covers Port Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill