PORT ADELAIDE will go into a second game without any forced changes but will at least need to make room for the retiring Robbie Gray for his final AFL game.
Gray announced his retirement on Tuesday with the 34-year-old to play his 271st and final AFL game at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night against the Crows.
But as well as the classy veteran, there are others hoping to sneak in another game at the top level before the curtain closes on season 2022.
Last week’s medical substitute Jackson Mead and travelling emergency Trent Dumont are among them, while there were also some strong performances in the SANFL last Saturday that may warrant selection consideration.
Sam Mayes led all comers with 36 disposals and a goal in the Magpies’ narrow loss to South Adelaide. The 28-year-old also racked up seven tackles and five clearances to finish as the highest ranked player on the ground.
Trent McKenzie was named the best on ground after a strong showing in the backline following his omission from the AFL side. Selectors last week opted to go in with just two tall defenders in Aliir Aliir and Tom Jonas but McKenzie’s SANFL showing – 22 disposals, 11 rebound 50s, six marks – made a case for a return to the top tier, particularly if the Crows opt to retain their current three-tall forward set-up. Forward-turned-defender Ollie Lord has been close to an AFL debut after building some consistency in his new backline role, and will be around the mark if an extra tall defender is required.
Martin Frederick worked hard all day to collect his 25 touches, five tackles and five rebound-50s, and Taj Schofield booted a goal and had 18 disposals on the vast expanses of Noarlunga Oval.
Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name both its SANFL and AFL sides for the weekend’s Showdown double header.
First bounce in the SANFL game is 3:20pm at Adelaide Oval with the AFL match to follow at 7:00pm.
