PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least one change in selection for its Round 2 clash with Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
Forward Jed McEntee has been ruled out under the concussion protocols, having been subbed out after a heavy clash in the third quarter of last weekend’s win over West Coast.
He was replaced at the time by substitute Francis Evans, who is well and truly in the mix to take McEntee’s place in the side this week.
Evans booted 10 goals in 10 games in his first season at Port Adelaide last year and will be looking to cement a spot in the side going forward.
Fellow forward Mitch Georgiades continued his promising return following his long-term knee injury, with a confident showing in Port Adelaide’s SANFL trial match against North Adelaide last Saturday. The 22-year-old was strong in the air and at ground level and booted a goal against the Roosters to push his claim for a first AFL game since Round 2 last year.
If the selection committee elects to go taller, Tom Scully’s three-goal effort in the trial game caught the eye, though he suffered a sprained knee and will need to prove his fitness to be available to play.
Jordon Sweet also did his chances of a club AFL debut no harm with a dominant first half in ruck against the Roosters before coming off, while Trent McKenzie marshalled the backline and was also among the best players.
Sweet was an AFL emergency last weekend along with wingman Jase Burgoyne and defender Dylan Williams.
Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name an extended squad to tackle the Tigers before finalising its team on Friday afternoon.
First bounce at the MCG on Sunday is at 3:30pm ACDT.
The game will be the 350th at AFL level for Travis Boak, making him the first Port Adelaide player and just the 23rd person to reach the milestone at AFL/VFL level.
It will also be Ken Hinkley’s 250th game as coach.
