PORT Adelaide rookie Dan Houston is emerging as a round-one bolter for the Power as they search for a replacement for injured defender Jasper Pittard.
Houston's impressive form across half-back has been one of positives to come out of the JLT Community Series.
The 19-year-old's accurate kicking and decision making under pressure has been superb – he has recorded 96 per cent disposal efficiency in the Power's two pre-season losses.
"He was a forward his first year and towards the end of last year they put him down back and he did some good things," Power assistant coach Brendon Lade said on Monday.
"He's showed some really good signs and he kicks the ball as well as anyone.
"He's defending really well at the moment, so he's pressing his claims to put his hand up for selection."
Houston and mature-aged forward Brett Eddy are the favourites to snare the two available spots on the Power's senior list.
Houston was already in the mix for a senior call-up before Pittard's hamstring injury that will put him in serious doubt for the season-opener with Sydney at the SCG.
Experienced defender Matthew Broadbent is on track to be fit for round one, while youngster Riley Bonner is also doing his chances no harm with a couple of quality games during the pre-season competition.
"It's disappointing for Jasper," Lade said.
"He was playing quite well, but we've got some replacements ready."
Forward Angus Monfries is set to miss Sunday's pre-season game with Hawthorn at Noarlunga as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
"He's just about ready to go with his shoulder back into full contact either this week or next week, so he'll need a couple weeks of hitting some bodies and getting used to getting hit again and hopefully he can do that and get through," Lade said.
Matthew White (calf) will play for either the Power or in an SANFL trial this weekend, while star forward Chad Wingard (cork) has been cleared of serious injury.
This story originally appeared on afl.com.au
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