After missing Round 21 with illness, Jeremy Finlayson will be hoping to return against the Giants. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least one team change for its Sunday twilight meeting with Greater Western Sydney following the injury to defender Trent McKenzie.

Fortunately, there are no shortage of options to replace the reliable backman. Among them are Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones who are still yet to clear the AFL’s concussion protocols but would be certain to return to the side should they be passed fit to play on Thursday.

Aliir has played every game this season except last week’s clash with Geelong while Jones has featured ten times this season including four in-a-row before being forced to sit out the loss to the Cats.

The side should also be able to regain Kane Farrell, Jeremy Finlayson and Miles Bergman who sat out the weekend’s game through illness.

Aliir Aliir and Kane Farrell could come back into the side to bolster Port Adelaide's defensive lines. Image: AFL Photos.

Big forward Charlie Dixon will need to get through training on Thursday to be a chance of being selected after missing the trip to Geelong with a foot injury.

Given the number of late changes last weekend, all but one of the emergencies was used in the game, with young midfielder Hugh Jackson not required but still around the mark for an AFL debut. In his 12 SANFL games this season, Jackson has averaged 20 disposals, five tackles and five clearances, and he has hit the scoreboard too with six goals.

There was no SANFL game at the weekend for other players to push their claims for selection but consistent performers Trent Dumont and Quinton Narkle would be among those considered able to step up for AFL selection if required.

Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name an extended squad to tackle the Giants before finalising the side on Friday afternoon.

The game at Adelaide Oval gets underway at 4:10pm ACST on Sunday.