PORT ADELAIDE will be tempted to bring ruckman Scott Lycett back into its side for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast as a direct replacement for another big man.

With Todd Marshall undertaking a mandatory 12-day rest period under the AFL’s concussion protocols, Port will have to make at least one change to the side that lost to Geelong last week.

Lycett is the most obvious inclusion with the 28-year-old completing a four-game suspension for a dangerous tackle in the Showdown.

Having him back in the side would likely see Peter Ladhams spend more time in the forward line working alongside Charlie Dixon and Mitch Georgiades.

However, the selectors could opt to go smaller up forward and continue to play one ruckman with support from Dixon.

If that is the case, Boyd Woodcock was last week’s medical substitute and would be in the mix for a starting berth, while Sam Mayes has been in brilliant form at SANFL level and, despite missing last weekend with a neck complaint, offers the versatility to play across any line on the field.

Experienced defender Hamish Hartlett and explosive youngster Martin Frederick could also be given AFL recalls after solid showings in a tough SANFL game against the Eagles.

Hartlett had the most tackles on the ground with nine along with eleven disposals and two clearances while keeping the dangerous Tyson Stengle to two late goals.

Frederick had 17 disposals, six tackles and a goal playing at half back and on the wing.

Another who performed well at SANFL level was Jarrod Lienert. He had a team-high 26 possessions and a remarkable 14 rebound-50s in a game where the ball spent a lot of time in Port’s defensive half.

Port Adelaide will name its AFL side to face the Suns on Thursday evening.

Saturday night’s game at Metricon Stadium will get underway at 1:45pm AEST / 1:15pm ACST.