AS Port Adelaide gears up for a critical game against St Kilda on Sunday, portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for selection for both sides.
Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide coaching staff will be looking to build on the success of a tightly fought win over Essendon last week.
The Power’s backline could benefit from the return of key half-back Jasper Pittard, if he’s deemed fit to hit the field after injuring his ankle two weeks ago.
Head of high performance Darren Burgess said he’s a 50/50 chance to play against the Saints.
“He’s getting close, but whether he’s good enough to against St Kilda will depend on how he gets through training this week,” Burgess said.
“I’m confident that he’s just about there, but we also have to take into account the long term with him as well.”
After taking out the Peter Jackson Player of the Week in last week’s SANFL game, Sam Gray had another standout performance against Unley with 30 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and two defensive rebounds.
With form like that, he’s pushing for another shot at AFL.
SANFL: Magpies need to fight back
Port Adelaide’s most recent team
FB: Cam O'Shea, Jack Hombsch, Jarman Impey
HB: Tom Clurey, Jackson Trengove, Matthew Broadbent
C: Angus Monfries, Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert
HF: Jake Neade, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
FF: Hamish Hartlett, Jay Schulz, Paddy Ryder
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines
I/C: Matt White, Andrew Moore, Aaron Young, Sam Colquhoun
Port Adelaide injury list
Jasper Pittard – ankle (assess)
Mason Shaw - groin (2-3 weeks)
Alipate Carlile – back/hip (1-2 weeks) Nathan Krakouer – hamstring (2 weeks) Jared Polec – foot (indefinite)*
*denotes long-term injury list
St Kilda
The Saints had a remarkably short injury list at the 17-week mark of the season, entering last week with the luxury of an open selection table. But this week will see a few changes to the side that knocked off the Dees, with three key players sidelined.
Despite being cleared to playe earlier this week, captain/ key forward Nick Riewoldt has been ruled out due to a calf soreness.
Selection: Riewoldt ruled out
The skipper copped a corked calf in the Saints’ encounter with Melbourne last week, and has been given time off to help recover.
Small forward Jack Lonie is another big out, with saints.com.au confirming the youngster will be rested this week.
Marking forward Tim Membrey could serve as a strong target in their depleted forward line, having booted three majors and snagging four marks in their VFL win over Richmond last week.
Both he and ruckman Tom Hickey were named on the Saints’ extended bench as emergencies last week.
Hickey delivered 30 hitouts and coaches labelled it his “best game for a while”. He could earn an AFL callup, with 13 top-level games already under his belt.
Defender Sam Gilbert has also been confirmed as out with groin soreness.
Full back Cameron Shenton had a brilliant game in the VFL and could be an option to replaced injured Gilbert with his ability to win one-on-one contests.
St Kilda’s most recent team
FB: Geary, Sam Gilbert, Sean Dempster
HB: Shane Savage, Sam Fisher, Dylan Roberton
C: Jack Newnes, David Armitage, Leigh Montagna
HF: Luke Dunstan, Nick Riewoldt, Sinclair
F: Jack Lonie, Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin
Foll: Billy Longer, Jack Steven, Maverick Weller
Int: Adam Schneider, Hugh Goddard, Webster, Eli Templeton
St Kilda injury list
Jack Billings - shin (season)
Tom Curren – leg (8-9 weeks)
