A HOST of players have given Port Adelaide’s coaches something to debate around the selection table ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster Preliminary Final encounter with the Western Bulldogs.
The SANFL win over the previously undefeated Glenelg at the weekend provided an opportunity for several players to press their claims for selection.
Sam Mayes was named among the side’s best after having an extremely productive showing which included 26 disposals, seven clearances and a game-high ten tackles.
Another to win plenty of the football was Boyd Woodcock, who finished with 27 disposals and five clearances following a 43-disposal effort against South Adelaide in his last outing.
Tom Clurey did his selection chances no damage by having a game-high eleven marks, while limiting the damage of dangerous forward Liam McBean and Dylan Williams proved a forward threat with three goals while laying five tackles.
Defenders Hamish Hartlett and Lachie Jones each successfully returned from injury with Hartlett recording 23 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in his first game since having a knee arthroscopy last month while Jones was solid with 13 disposals and five rebound 50s off half back having returned following ankle surgery.
Forward Mitch Georgiades also returned from a hamstring injury in the game, having nine disposals, four marks, three tackles and a goal in a productive showing.
Port Adelaide will name its side to face the Bulldogs on Thursday evening.
The game will be defender Dan Houston’s 100th at AFL level.
