RUCKMAN Dean Brogan's suspension could open the door for a fourth Port Adelaide milestone against West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
Utility Chad Cornes (200 games), onballer Shaun Burgoyne (150) and forward Brett Ebert (100) could now be joined by defender Toby Thurstans, who is also on the eve of his 100th game.
Thurstans, who arrived at Alberton via the 1998 draft, played his 99th match in round 22 last year.
He was left out of the side that toppled Essendon in round one, but could be recalled as back-up for Brendon Lade this week.
Vice-captain Shaun Burgoyne said the multiple milestones would give his side added incentive to beat the Eagles.
"The club makes a really big deal of milestone games," he said on Wednesday. "I remember when I first got here, the club really drummed it into the guys to reward the players with a win and to go out there and play for the guys' milestones.
"Chad’s been here 11 or 12 years and Toby got his life membership at the start of this year. Usually it’s just the one milestone or sometimes two, so to have four would be something special.
"We want to go over there and win, not only because it will give us guys a smile in our milestone game, but it will give us two wins in a row, which is a great start to the year."
Port Adelaide has several possible contingency plans to cover Brogan’s absence.
The club experimented with both Thurstans and forward Justin Westhoff as pinch-hitting ruckmen over the summer.
Thurstans could be a straight replacement for Brogan, while using Westhoff in the ruck would create an opening for a small forward like Wade Thompson.
The Power also have untried big men Jon Giles and Matthew Lobbe to call upon but pitting either against Cox would be a baptism of fire.
Burgoyne said Port Adelaide could resort to roving Cox's taps with a second ruckman at the contest.
"I’m not too sure whether the selectors will go tall or small to replace Broges," Burgoyne said. "Cox is a great player and we’ll need to nullify his influence in the game.
"We’ll probably come up with a few different scenarios for when Cox is in the ruck and when the second ruckman is in, it will be different again."
Port Adelaide has an excellent record at Subiaco with two if its seven wins last year at the venue.
Brett Ebert, who will play despite popping his shoulder out against Essendon, said Subiaco suited the Power’s style of play.
"It’s a big ground and we play fast exciting footy, so it gives us a lot of room to run around," Ebert said.
"We’ve had some good wins over there, but every time we go over there it’s a tough game and we can’t wait for Sunday."
