Willie Rioli will need to prove his fitness to be considered for Round 14 selection. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE could welcome back two of its classiest operators for Sunday’s trip to New South Wales to face Greater Western Sydney, with captain Connor Rozee and elusive forward Willie Rioli in the mix for selection.

Rozee rolled his ankle in the Round 11 win over North Melbourne and was unable to recover from a sprain in time to face Carlton before the bye. However, the skipper has been back in full training in recent days and is expected to be available to play the Giants.

Rioli came off early in the Kangaroos victory in Hobart with a calf strain. If fit, he would provide an important spark in the Power forward line and look to add to his 17 goals so far this season.

There was no SANFL at the weekend for other players to push their claims for inclusion in the AFL line-up due to the club’s bye however given the last-up loss to Carlton, selectors may consider making several changes.

Key forward Ollie Lord booted two goals from his 12 disposals and took five marks against Sturt in his most recent outing. He’s now had three games back following a pre-season leg injury, though has had two byes in that time and may need another hit-out to prove his fitness is at AFL standard.

Ollie Lord has returned successfully returned via the SANFL and is working toward his AFL return. Image: Brandon Hancock.

Quinton Narkle racked up 20 disposals and five inside 50s in a game where nobody had a lot of the ball, in his second game back from injury. He has the ability to play on the ball or as a small forward, which may make him an enticing selection prospect.

Rucks Jordon Sweet and Dante Visentini also continue to press their claims for respective AFL recalls. Sweet had a game-high 28 hit-outs to go with 13 disposals, five clearances and a goal against Sturt, while Visentini had 13 hit-outs and five marks in the same game, spending more time as a forward.

Tom Clurey has been one of the club’s best at SANFL level all season splitting his time between playing his customary defensive role and showcasing his versatility on the wing. He is averaging 18 disposals and six marks across his seven SANFL games and could come into consideration should selectors opt for a reshuffle.

Port Adelaide will name an extended side for the clash with the Giants on Thursday evening, before finalising its match-day 23 on Friday at 4:30pm ACST.

Sunday’s AFL game at Engie Stadium in Sydney gets underway at 3:30pm ACST.