CAPTAIN Tom Jonas could be recalled to the AFL side this weekend, with backman Trent McKenzie set to miss the Carlton clash with injury. 

McKenzie suffered an ankle sprain late in the first quarter on Saturday night and will be sidelined for two to three weeks as he recovers. 

Ken Hinkley stated after the game that Jonas would be the obvious choice to take McKenzie’s place, with the skipper not making an AFL appearance since Round 10. 

Junior Rioli will also miss this weekend as joins his family in the Tiwi Islands to mark the one-year anniversary of his father’s passing. 

With a small forward spot up for grabs, Quinton Narkle could be elevated from tactical substitute into the starting 22, however Francis Evans has also been making his case. 

Evans was among the best in the SANFL on Saturday, recording three goals and 13 touches, with the 21-year-old recruit snagging 11 goals from his last five games. 

Xavier Duursma has also had a couple of solid weeks for the Magpies, and will be hoping to make a return to the top side in the coming weeks. 

Averaging 18.5 touches and a goal over the last two SANFL matches, the main problem for the 23-year-old will be who comes out of the AFL side to make space.  

Ruckman Scott Lycett will be tested at training this week, with either Dante Visentini or Sam Hayes ready to take his place, if Lycett is deemed ineligible for selection.  

Visentini and Hayes have each played one game in 2023 and with Carlton potentially without both of their main rucks to injury, it could be a good opportunity for Hayes to hold his position or for the selectors to get another look at the inexperienced Visentini. 

Port Adelaide will name its side for its Round 18 game against Carlton on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST.