Todd Marshall was a late withdrawal from Round 4 with a rolled ankle but will be in the mix to return to the side to take on the Blues.

PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least two changes at the selection table for Saturday night’s encounter with Carlton at the MCG and with no shortage of players in the mix, it will be an interesting discussion.

With Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma each having surgery on respective ankle and knee injuries, there is an opportunity for a couple of players to spend some time in the AFL side and make a position theirs.

Forward Todd Marshall, who was a late withdrawal from the Richmond game with a rolled ankle, will be in contention to return, as will experienced midfielder Tom Rockliff, who has been cleared of concussion after his mandatory 12-day rest period following a head knock.

Utility Sam Mayes was the medical substitute for the win over the Tigers last Friday and spent only 12 minutes of the last quarter on the field but his versatility could be very valuable, while Boyd Woodcock has been in strong SANFL form and has been an AFL emergency in recent weeks and could step into a forward or midfield role if needed.

Defender Jarrod Lienert can also play on the wing and he has been strong in the SANFL’s opening two rounds. He was among Port Adelaide’s best against Central District last Saturday with 23 disposals and nine marks.

Kane Farrell and Trent McKenzie have been solid contributors at SANFL level and have AFL experience, but the selectors could also opt for a trio of untried youngsters who have been biding their time and awaiting an AFL debut.

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Ruckman Sam Hayes was immense in the club’s SANFL season opener and backed it up with a game-high 33 hit-outs, 16 disposals and six clearances against the Bulldogs.

Defender Martin Frederick’s run and carry was a stand-out on Saturday and he had 15 touches and five tackles, while Jackson Mead will also be around the mark for an AFL debut, having had 22 disposals, three tackles and five clearances in Port’s SANFL win.

Port Adelaide will on Friday evening name its side to tackle Carlton, with the game getting underway at the MCG at 7:25pm AEST / 6:55pm ACST on Saturday.