Xavier Duursma and Charlie Dixon both enjoyed strong performances in the SANFL at the weekend, pushing their respective cases for senior selection. Image: AFL Photos.

AS PORT ADELAIDE looks to return to the winners’ list, there are no shortage of players pushing for inclusion in the AFL side.

While Riley Bonner will stake his claims for a return from an ankle sprain by proving his fitness at training this week, a host of his teammates put themselves on show in the SANFL win over West Adelaide on Sunday.

At the head of the queue was Xavier Duursma who earned the Russell Ebert Medal as best on ground with 28 disposals, three tackles, seven inside 50s and two goals.

The 21-year-old has been in and out of the AFL side this season due to a combination of injury and inconsistent form but he could not have done much more in the 24-point victory over the Bloods.

Sam Mayes and Taj Schofield bossed the midfield at Loxton Oval. Mayes recorded a game-high 33 disposals to go with his four tackles and six clearances while Schofield had a career-high 31 disposals as well as six clearances and a goal.

Both Mayes and Schofield have been among the AFL emergencies this season with Mayes getting minutes in two games and Schofield hoping to break through for an AFL debut.

Forwards Charlie Dixon and Dylan Williams had plenty of the ball and hit the scoreboard to give the selectors something to think about.

Dixon has not played at AFL level this season following two rounds of ankle surgery but has now booted four goals in two games at SANFL level including 3.3 against West in Loxton.

On Sunday, Williams had 4.3 from 10 disposals and took seven marks. He has not featured at AFL level since making his debut against Sydney in Round 15 last season.

Martin Frederick (30 disposals, one goal) and Jackson Mead (28 disposals, six tackles, five clearances, one goal) were busy all day against West Adelaide, providing plenty of grunt in the midfield and across half forward, while Jed McEntee and Miles Bergman were also solid contributors.

Classy small forward Orazio Fantasia did not make either trip to Geelong or to Loxton after feeling tightness after training late last week but with a full week on the track will be aiming for his first minutes of the season following knee surgery.

Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name an extended squad to face Essendon in the club’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round match at Adelaide Oval on Sunday from 4:10pm.

The squad will be narrowed to the selected 22 on Friday afternoon.