AS the Power and the Crows prepare for the emotionally-charged Showdown 39, portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for selection for both sides.
Port Adelaide
With the Power showing tough, courageous football in Thursday night’s clash, we could see few changes to the team which claimed a win against the Pies.
However with the services of speedy half back Jasper Pittard likely on hold due to an ankle injury, the Power may face a forced change.
IN DOUBT: Pittard unlikely for Showdown
If Jasper isn’t deemed fit to play, they’ll need to look at other link-up options to provide run moving into attack.
While Jarman Impey provided some pace upfield the Power’s clash against the Pies last week, it’s likely we’ll see him matched up against small forward Eddie Betts in the forward pocket.
Utility Nathan Krakouer has already proved his AFL ability in nine games this season, and excelled in the backlines in Saturday’s one point loss to Norwood in the SANFL. He was named in the Power’s emergencies last week and has been conscientiously working on his hard running, under the instruction of senior coach Ken Hinkley.
INJURY UPDATE: Round 15
Tom Jonas was omitted from the Power’s line up in Round 15, but didn’t play for the Magpies due to quad soreness. With two key backs in Alipate Carlile and maybe Pittard out, he’s up for a fitness test and could be recalled to bolster Port Adelaide’s defence.
Port Adelaide’s most recent team
FB: Cam O'Shea, Jack Hombsch, Jarman Impey
HB: Tom Clurey, Jackson Trengove, Jasper Pittard
C: Matthew Broadbent, Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert
HF: Angus Monfries, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
FF: Hamish Hartlett, Jay Schulz, Paddy Ryder
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Oliver Wines
I/C: Jake Neade, Paul Stewart, Karl Amon, Brendon Ah Chee
E: Andrew Moore, Sam Colquhoun, Nathan Krakouer
Port Adelaide injury list
Tom Jonas – quad (assess)
Mitch Harvey – groin (assess)
Matt White – hamstring (2-3 weeks)
Mason Shaw - groin (3-4 weeks)
Jared Polec – foot (indefinite)*
*denotes long-term injury list
Adelaide
Defender Kyle Cheney could return to the Crows’ lineup this week as he recovers from a back injury.
According to the club’s website, he’s hoping to prove his fitness during the week to be available for selection on Thursday.
ENEMY: Cheney a possibility
Left-footed wingman Rory Atkins earned praise for his SANFL efforts against the Central District, collecting a game-high 29 touches, eight marks, five clearances and a goal.
While he’s yet to debut at the top level, he’s just inches away after being named in the AFL emergencies several times. With SANFL performances like last week and valuable midfielder Rory Sloane currently sidelined with a broken cheekbone, he’s pushing for AFL selection as an influential on-baller.
Meanwhile half forward/ wingman Riley Knight is poised to play in the top side again after impressing in his AFL debut against the Eagles last week.
He finished with two goals from 13 disposals with 92.3 efficiency, and is in good stead to play in the Showdown.
Adelaide’s most recent team
FB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Lever
HB: Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan, Ricky Henderson
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF: Matthew Wright, Charlie Cameron, Tom Lynch
F: Josh Jenkins, Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts
Foll: Patrick Dangerfield, Sam Jacobs, Richard Douglas
Int: Nathan Van Berlo, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Riley Knight, Matt Crouch E: Rory Atkins, Jarryd Lyons, Brodie Martin
Adelaide injury list
Kyle Cheney (back) – test
Mitch McGovern (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Mitch Grigg (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Rory Sloane (cheekbone) – 3-5 weeks
Brad Crouch (foot) – 6-7 weeks
Harry Dear (shoulder) – TBA
Matthew Jaensch (knee) – Season
Brent Reilly (fractured skull) – N/A
