WEST Coast ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett might want to brace themselves for a bruising encounter against Jackson Trengove, with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley warning the Eagles that Trengove will be on this Saturday.
Trengove has had to step in to the Power's No.1 ruck post while Matthew Lobbe recovers from a knee injury and Paddy Ryder serves a one-year ban from the game.
While Naitanui and Lycett pose a significant challenge for Trengove, Hinkley expected him to play with his trademark aggression.
Hinkley said the key defender had an exceptional leap and played with the sort of physical presence that offered him a unique advantage in ruck situations.
As well as competing in the air, Trengove has been sensational once the ball hits the ground, winning 18 clearances in the past two games (13 in the clash with the Brisbane Lions in round seven).
"Jacko will cause Nic Nat and Lycett some concerns in the ruck - there's no doubt about that," Hinkley said.
"Jacko's going to be really combative, that's the way he plays his footy; whether he's a key back or in the ruck for us at the moment, he's got to be really combative.
"His follow up work at ground level, which is another area where Naitanui is very strong … so Jacko's got to match him there as well.
"Yes, they are (Naitanui and Lycett) more experienced ruckmen and they're used to playing there a bit more than Jack, but we've got great confidence that Jacko will bring effort and he'll have a real crack."
Power star Robbie Gray will return to the line-up after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
Hinkley said the inclusion of such a talented player offered obvious benefits.
But Port will remain without key defender Alipate Carlile after he advised the coach he required extra time at SANFL level to find his form having been sidelined since round two.
"He's come off a broken wrist. I had conversations with him on Monday and he was the first one to say, 'Look, I just need a couple of weeks to make sure I get my touch'," Hinkley said.
"You can see it, too, not only do you have to hear it … Bobby's (Carlile) really honest, he knows where he's at."
