Charlie Dixon could return to face the Saints after a week on the sidelines. Image: AFL Photos.

TALL forward Charlie Dixon is poised for a return to football in Friday night’s blockbuster against St Kilda, with multiple spots becoming available in his side’s starting 22.

At least three Port Adelaide vacancies have opened up, with Todd Marshall entering concussion protocols, Kane Farrell recovering from a broken cheekbone and captain Tom Jonas accepting a one-match ban for a bump on West Coast’s Jai Culley.

Dixon missed Round 6 after jarring his knee in a ruck contest against the Bulldogs the week prior, but has been back in full training this week in an effort to prove his fitness for selection.

If selected, the 200-centimetre big man will be gratefully accepted back into the forward line after booting nine goals across his first three games of the season.

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The battle for backline spots is likely to be fought between Tom Clurey, Riley Bonner and Jase Burgoyne, depending on which defensive qualities coaches are looking for against the ladder-leaders.

Bonner had 20 touches and a goal in the SANFL on Sunday, while Clurey collected 15 disposals and assumed captaincy duties for the Magpies in the same game.

One-fifty-gamer Trent McKenzie was asked about Burgoyne’s possible selection during a press conference on Wednesday, with the defender highlighting that Burgoyne’s valuable pace and ‘special’ defensive skill could be put to good use against the Saints.

Jase Burgoyne could be recalled for his second AFL game of the season. Image: AFL Photos.

Lachie Jones could also be in the frame for a return after spending two weekends as AFL emergency and playing in the SANFL, while four-game player Dylan Williams has the chance to be elevated from the Round 6 tactical substitute to Friday’s starting line-up, having featured in each of the Power's three consecutive victories.

Some on-field movement has made things interesting over the past few weeks, with versatile Darcy Byrne-Jones finding form in the forward line, while half-back Ryan Burton slotted two goals in Saturday’s win over the Eagles, following Marshall’s head knock and subsequent exit from the ground.

Port Adelaide will name its selected side for Round 7 against St Kilda on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST, with the game to get under way from 6:50pm ACST on Friday night.