PORT ADELAIDE are set to take on West Coast in this weekend’s Anzac Appeal Round clash at Adelaide Oval, as they pay tribute to those who have and continue to serve their country.
In a round that embodies the mateship, leadership and sacrifice of the Anzacs, it is fitting that the Power could welcome back inspirational skipper Tom Jonas who has represented those values at Alberton for many years.
Port’s captain was sidelined in Round 5 by what senior coach Ken Hinkley described as “a bit of a grumbly knee”, and took to the coaches box against the Bulldogs to help Hinkley steer his side to a memorable win in the wet.
Assistant coach Chad Cornes said on Monday afternoon the 207-game veteran was feeling fresh following the week off and he would expect to see him named to face the Eagles.
Some attention will also be given to the tall timber at Alberton at the selection table.
Spearhead Charlie Dixon will be assessed at training after jarring his knee in the victory over the Dogs, while veteran ruckman Scott Lycett was subbed out of the game in the third quarter, replaced by Jackson Mead.
Locally, the SANFL held a bye as the state hosted Gather Round across the weekend, but the Magpies still got some game time into the legs as they took on the AFL Academy boys squad at Mount Barker earlier on Saturday, claiming a 10.10 (70) to 8.9 (57) win.
Young tall Ollie Lord was impressive in the first half, slotting all four of the Magpies' major scores to halftime, while Mitch Georgiades worked himself into the game clunking everything that came his way (five contested marks) and booting two goals himself.
Francis Evans (19 touches and two goals) and Jase Burgoyne (18 possessions at 83%) also found their share of the ball, while key defender Tom Clurey was a rock down back with 10 intercepts amongst his 20 disposals.
Port Adelaide will name its selected side for its Anzac Appeal Round clash with West Coast on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST, with action at Adelaide Oval set to get underway from 1:15pm on Saturday afternoon.
Tickets are still available for the match, with a family pass in the Eastern Stand available for just $50 by entering the code FAMILY50.
The team will also be wearing a specially designed Anzac Appeal guernsey, with the match-worn jumpers to be auctioned and proceeds donated to support the important work of the RSL in South Australia.