KANE FARRELL is this week expected to play his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last July.

Farrell had a knee reconstruction after suffering the injury against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium last season.

Having worked his way back into full training in recent weeks, all going to plan, the 23-year-old wingman/forward will feature at SANFL level for the club against South Adelaide on Saturday.

Defender Sam Skinner has been cleared of any serious injury after spraining his ankle and being subbed out for the last quarter of Showdown LI.

The 24-year-old is expected to be available for Thursday night’s clash with Melbourne.

Experienced forward Robbie Gray will come into selection consideration after missing the Showdown under the AFL’s health and safety protocols while wingman Xavier Duursma’s condition will be assessed as the week progresses after suffering a neck injury in Friday’s SANFL game against the Crows.

Defender Tom Clurey is also nearing a return following minor off-season knee surgery. The experienced backman has been training well and could come into consideration to play this week.

Port Adelaide will on Wednesday evening name its side to take on Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

The game gets underway at 7:10pm local time.

Injury list

Aliir Aliir – ankle (2-3 weeks)

Tom Clurey – knee (assess)

Charlie Dixon – ankle (TBC)

Xavier Duursma – neck (assess)

Orazio Fantasia – knee (6-8 weeks)

Sam Skinner – ankle (assess)