There are between 26 and 29 players vying for a spot in the Power’s best 22, and Ken Hinkley will use Thursday’s game against Richmond to stoke the competitive fires at Alberton in the final days before Round 1.

The Power has taken 25 players to Melbourne for its final NAB Challenge match, with Jared Polec being rested from duties, and Cam O’Shea and Darcy Byrne-Jones remaining in Adelaide.

Aaron Young is unlikely to play.

Hinkley expects the incentive of a Round 1 spot to motivate those who take the field against the Tigers.

“We’re going to take 25 over with us, and Jared Polec makes 26, and there were boys who were in good form with the Magpies last week [so] there’s 28, 29 players who’ve got themselves in the mix right now,” Hinkley said.

“There’s still a fair bit on the table, I reckon, and it’s good for boys to play with that incentive still there.”

Off-season recruit Charlie Dixon will play his first game in Port Adelaide colours, but is expected to only play the equivalent of a half.


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