SEVERAL key players could return to AFL action in this Saturday night’s Round 19 blockbuster against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval.
Charlie Dixon has recovered well from an ankle sprain after missing the side’s loss against Carlton, with the tall forward integrating back into full training this week.
Dixon is expected to play this Saturday, as is midfielder Zak Butters, who has been cleared of serious injury following scans on his hip.
Jason Horne-Francis and Trent McKenzie will be assessed this week during training, with both players likely to be eligible for selection.
Horne-Francis has seen significant improvement in his back soreness, while McKenzie has returned to running following an ankle sprain in Round 17.
Ruckman Brynn Teakle has been removed from the club’s injury list, having recovered from signs of stress in his foot.
Teakle has rejoined full training over the last two weeks with no concerns and is expected to be available this weekend.
Darcy Byrne-Jones has entered concussion protocols after suffering a head knock against the Blues, with the utility unavailable this weekend.
Young forward Nathan Barkla was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s SANFL game with a quad strain, while Tom McCallum will be sidelined for a month after having his appendix removed.
Port Adelaide will name its selected side for Saturday’s match against Collingwood on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST.
General public tickets for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash are officially exhausted, but fans without a ticket can still access the highly anticipated game by purchasing a Port Adelaide 3-game membership for just $100.
Injury list
Jason Horne-Francis – back (test)
Trent McKenzie – ankle (test)
Darcy Byrne-Jones – concussion (1-2 weeks)
Nathan Barkla – quad (2-3 weeks)
Tom McCallum – appendix (4 weeks)
Tom Clurey – back (season)
Mitch Georgiades – knee (season)