PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least one change to its side for Friday night’s Gather Round clash with Essendon.
The club on Tuesday confirmed midfielder Ollie Wines would miss the game with a hamstring strain.
Fellow mid Jason Horne-Francis is putting his hand up to take Wines’ place in a like-for-like swap, having proven his fitness following two weeks on the sidelines with his own hamstring issue.
Should further changes be considered, Mitch Georgiades did his best to prove he is ready for an AFL return while playing in the SANFL last weekend.
Georgiades booted a team high three goals, presented well and took seven marks in what was otherwise a disappointing day at Glenelg for the Magpies.
Back to full fitness after the ACL injury which ruined his 2023 season, the 22-year-old also had 14 disposals and laid three tackles.
Jordon Sweet was dominant in the ruck against the Bays, making a strong case for a club AFL debut. He finished with 46 hit-outs and six clearances. The former Western Bulldog had a presence all day, booting a goal and having six inside 50s from his 17 disposals.
Experienced defender Trent McKenzie was an unused AFL emergency and remains in the mix for selection to face the Bombers, along with fellow emergency Dylan Williams.
Port Adelaide will on Thursday evening name its side to tackle Essendon.
Friday night’s game, from 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval, will be Dan Houston’s 150th at AFL level.
