Willie Rioli is available to return to the side having served a one-game suspension. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least two team changes for Saturday night’s big game against Geelong after the loss of defenders Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones to the AFL’s concussion protocols.

While they are not an easy duo to replace, several players are vying to take their spots and selectors may opt for more change given the club is looking to arrest a three-game losing streak.

Forward Willie Rioli is available to return to the side having served a one-game suspension and ruck Scott Lycett could also resume having sat out the Showdown to manage a knee injury.

The obvious defensive replacements could come in the form of captain Tom Jonas whose experience may prove valuable against an established Cats’ forward group, while Jase Burgoyne is less experienced but has put together a strong run of form in recent weeks. The 20-year-old was an unused AFL emergency last weekend but was one of the better performers at SANFL level, racking up an equal game-high 28 disposals as well as nine marks and six clearances.

Captain Tom Jonas could be recalled to help combat the Cats' forward firepower in Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron. Image: AFL Photos.

Jonas himself gathered 21 touches, six rebound 50s and eight marks on a disappointing day for the side in the SANFL Showdown.

While he has at times been deployed on the wing, Riley Bonner is another defensive option who could come into consideration after he also had 28 disposals, four tackles and seven rebound 50s for the Magpies.

Former Cat Quinton Narkle, who made his club debut against his old side when the teams last met in Round 14, was the carry over emergency and didn’t play at any level last weekend but would have to be in the thoughts of selectors. Another of the emergencies, Hugh Jackson, continues to put together an impressive season in the midfield and might be in line for a debut. While he only tallied 15 disposals in the SANFL, he showed he was happy to get his hands dirty with a team-high nine tackles along with two clearances and a goal.

If midfield or forward reinforcement is being considered by selectors, Jackson Mead would have to be in the mix after he continued his strong SANFL form with 24 touches and a goal against the Crows to go with seven inside 50s, five tackles and four clearances.

Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name its side to tackle the Cats. The game at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong gets underway at 6:55pm ACST / 7:25pm AEST on Saturday night.