PORT ADELAIDE forward Charlie Dixon has had surgery on his left ankle but is still expected to push to play in Round 1.

Dixon tore ligaments in his left ankle after landing awkwardly during a marking contest late last month.

Despite significant improvement in the ankle as the swelling subsided, the decision was made for Dixon to undergo surgery to tighten the ligaments.

The 31-year-old travelled interstate to undergo the procedure because of the current ban on elective surgery in South Australia.

The surgery went well and Dixon is expected to remain in contention to face Brisbane at the Gabba to open the club’s 2022 AFL season.