This story originally appeared on afl.com.au.

PORT ADELAIDE captain Travis Boak put his injured hamstring to the test on Thursday in his bid to be fit for the Power's season opener with Fremantle.

Boak didn't make the trip to Melbourne for Captains Day at Etihad Stadium, with the Power sending vice-captain Ollie Wines in his place.

Boak missed last weekend's final JLT Community Series game against Adelaide with a minor hamstring strain, but the club remains optimistic he'll be right for the clash with the Dockers at Adelaide Oval on March 24.

"Boaky definitely wants to be up (for round one), and if this (not flying to Melbourne) gives him another one per cent, two per cent advantage of being able to play, that's what we're about," Wines told AFL.com.au.

"He's been back running and everything, he's just got to make sure he maintains his loads and he's prepared to go.

"He's here to lead us on game day and I'm happy to fill in for him today.

"We had a main day today, which he had to get some rehab running in to make sure he's prepared for next Saturday."

The Power are also hoping midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper recovers from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the game with the Crows.

Powell-Pepper enjoyed a sensational debut season in which he played all 23 games for the Power and finished third in the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he was itching to be out there with the boys against the Crows, and it was only a pre-season game," Wines said.

"He probably could've got up and he's very keen to get going next week."

Wines – out of contract at the end of this year – said he remained at ease how negotiations were progressing.

"Signing a contract, not just in life, but anything, is a big deal and a big undertaking, so you've got to think it through," he said.

"You can't jump into something prematurely.

"I've had a lot of chats with my family about the situation and we're just comfortable where it's at."

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