Online Game Day
Salopek played in the Power's loss to Collingwood last weekend, but developed hamstring tightness on Wednesday and scans revealed a minor strain.
The injury-hit onballer is likely to spend two weeks on the sidelines.
Coach Matthew Primus said he was yet to decide which of the Power's emergencies, Jason Davenport, Brett Ebert or Nick Salter, would replace Salopek in the team.
"Sal had a bit of a tight hammy on Wednesday and he's got the most minute strain of a hammy," Primus said on Friday.
"We're not quite sure whether Davenport, Ebert or Salter will come in but Sal will definitely miss this week and you’d think probably the week after."
Forward/midfielder Davenport, who had an injury interrupted pre-season, is the most likely replacement for Salopek.
He kicked four final-quarter goals to snatch victory for Port Adelaide against West Coast at Patersons Stadium in round two last season.
West Coast has named a tall team, recalling versatile big man Nic Naitanui to a forward line that already includes Josh Kennedy, Quinten Lynch and resting ruckman Dean Cox.
Daniel Kerr and Patrick McGinnity also return to the team at the expense of injured pair Mark LeCras (adductor) and Chris Masten (knee) and forward Ashton Hams, who has been omitted.
Primus said the Eagles' approach to selection would have little bearing on which emergency came into the Power side.
"Jason has had good games against them [the Eagles]. I'm not sure if history repeats itself there, but he's a runner and has shots on goal but so does Ebert," Primus said.
"Ebo plays well against West Coast too. Salter gives us a bit of flexibility down back and up forward, but we're pretty confident with Cam O'Shea, Jackson Trengove, Troy Chaplin and Alipate Carlile to be able to compete pretty well."
Port Adelaide has the advantage of an extra day's break this week.
The Eagles played in stifling heat in Perth on Sunday evening and have the added complication of having to travel. Primus said the Power players were "sorer than usual" after playing on Etihad Stadium in round one, but that West Coast would still be at a slight disadvantage this weekend.
"West Coast has a day less and it probably helps us a tiny bit, but players don't think that when they're out on the deck," he said.
"No doubt they would have had a light week like most clubs this week, and once the ball is bounced the guys forget how fatigued they were the week before."
Port Adelaide has been caught up in controversy this week following revelations premiership player and board member Darryl Wakelin had approached members of the 2004 premiership team to donate $5000 to the club's 'Back in Black' debt reduction campaign.
Club champion Warren Tredrea expressed his disappointment in receiving the request for cash in a voicemail message, but Power chief executive Mark Haysman defended Wakelin's actions, saying it was an exchange between premiership teammates.
Primus missed the Power's maiden grand final win through injury, but confirmed he would contribute to the cause and said present-day players were also welcome to donate.
"The club's putting a lot of work into making sure we can be as competitive as we can be on and off the field," he said.
"There are quite a few ex-players and people around the club who are willing to help in any way they can, and that's all we're asking."
"If the [players] want to donate they can for sure and we'll discuss that. Most people have been pretty positive about it, so it hasn't fractured the club at all."
