LACHIE Jones and Xavier Duursma could both be in the frame for a return to AFL football this Saturday.
Jones put on a career-best performance against the Western Bulldogs in Round 12 but has since been sidelined while recovering from a fractured jaw.
Club medical staff have all but cleared the 21-year-old, with the only challenge being finding him a place among a stacked 22.
Xavier Duursma played SANFL on Saturday in what was his first football outing since tearing his PCL in Round 7.
The wingman was pivotal in the Magpies’ 10-point win over West Adelaide, collecting 18 disposals and kicking two goals, so he will be keen to take a step up this week.
Ruckman Scott Lycett will miss the Gold Coast clash with a minor knee injury, with assistant coach Chad Cornes stating on Monday that selecting a genuine ruck in his place is the preferred option.
Young tall Dante Visentini could be Lycett’s replacement for a second game after making a very rushed debut against Essendon, however Sam Hayes is also in the mix for selection.
Hayes hasn’t featured at AFL level since Round 11 last year but was dominant in the ruck for the Magpies over the weekend, with Cornes mentioning Hayes’s eligibility would be discussed during the week.
Junior Rioli was a late out against the Bombers citing personal reasons, with a few small forwards in the mix if he is to miss again.
New recruit Quinton Narkle could retain his spot, while Francis Evans was a standout in the SANFL on Saturday with 23 disposals, five tackles and a goal.
Port Adelaide will name its side for its Round 17 game against Gold Coast on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST.
