FITNESS, not form, is the reason behind Angus Monfries' omission from the Power's line-up for Saturday's game against Fremantle tomorrow.
And it's not a lack of fitness, rather an unfit body that has seen Ken Hinkley make the call to give Monfries the weekend off.
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Monfries was subbed against the Gold Coast despite a stirring start up forward, but problems with his foot and Achilles tendon were enough to see him given a sabbatical from Port's season-ending AFL game.
Combined with Ken Hinkley's desire to retain Karl Amon after his three-goal performance against the Suns as well as give an opportunity for Jay Schulz to return for the match, Hinkley discussed his decision with Monfries after the team was selected.
"Angus, to be fair, really fair, is not in great physical shape," Hinkley said leading up to Saturday's game.
"We probably could've played Angus, but I was very keen to see Karl Amon play again.
"I had a conversation with Angus that it wasn't form that was why we were putting him out of the side, he's basically carrying a foot injury, carrying an Achilles injury, and we've got one game to go and I'd really like to see Karl have another go.
"Angus understands that [and] if we were playing flat out, right to the end and it wasn't our last game, we'd have Angus in the side."
While Jay Schulz is carrying a slight back problem, he should be fit to face Freo on Saturday at 3:20pm.
"Jay trained Wednesday, and we're very comfortable that he's right to play," Hinkley said.
"He's in a situation now that he needs time off, but he's willing and wanting to play the last game of the year, which is a great credit to him."
