portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for selection for both sides as the Port Adelaide face the Bulldogs in another crucial clash.
Port Adelaide
With the services of big-bodied ballwinner Ollie Wines ruled out for the remainder of the season to a shoulder injury, Port Adelaide will need to make one forced change this week.
INJURY: Surgery for Wines
There’s plenty of talent in the Power’s ranks who could step up to the job, helping continue their winning streak in the back end of the season.
Big bodied midfielder Brendon Ah Chee earned a nod from coaching staff for his selfless and tiresome performance in the SANFL side at the weekend. Always delivering a four-quarter effort, his consistent, and tough inside contest could prove valuable to the Power this week.
After patchy seasons have usually seen Andrew Moore and Sam Gray see-saw from the AFL to SANFL, both are likely to remain in the Power’s side following excellent performances against the Saints.
Meanwhile Nathan Krakouer could make a return at either SANFL or AFL level after making solid progress overcoming a hamstring injury. He’ll face tests this week to determine his availability for selection.
Port Adelaide’s most recent team
FB: Cameron O’Shea, Jack Hombsch, Jasper Pittard
HB: Tom Clurey, Jackson Trengove, Matthew Broadbent
C: Sam Colquhoun, Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert
HF: Jake Neade, Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
FF: Hamish Hartlett, Jay Schulz, Paddy Ryder
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Ollie Wines
I/C from: Sam Gray,Andrew Moore, Matt White, Aaron Young
Port Adelaide injury list
Mason Shaw - groin (available)
Paul Stewart – hip (assess)
Nathan Krakouer – hamstring (assess)
Alipate Carlile – back/hip (1-2 weeks)
Jared Polec* – foot (indefinite)
Logan Austin - shoulders (season)
Ollie Wines – shoulder (season)
*denotes long-term injury list
By the numbers: Power v Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs emerged from their Round 18 clash with no new injury concerns, which means we’re likely to see few changes to the side which belted Essendon by 87 points.
After spending the past two rounds sidelined with a foot injury, Vice-captain Jordan Roughead could make a return this weekend to bolster the Dogs’ defence line, pending fitness test results.
ENEMY: Vice-captain a likely return
Midfielder Koby Stevens had a huge impact last time the Power met the Dogs, with 22 disposals, nine clearances and a goal. However with Stevens still battling a heel stress fracture, the Dogs might look to someone who can play a similar role.
Youngster Lin Jong could be under consideration after a solid contribution in the VFL which saw him named best on ground. The versatile midfielder already has nine AFL games under his belt, and is tough, contested onballer who could provide some grunt in the mid.
Sam Darley and Ayce Cordy were also in the bests in the VFL and may be an outside chance for an AFL callup.
Western Bulldogs’ most recent team
FB: Dale Morris, Michael Talia, Matthew Boyd
HB: Robert Murphy, Easton Wood, Jason Johannisen
C: Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Shane Biggs
HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Tory Dickson, Stewart Crameri
F: Lachie Hunter, Jack Redpath, Jake Stringer
Foll: Tom Campbell, Mitch Wallis, Liam Picken
Int: Jarrad Grant, Josh Prudden, Caleb Daniel
Western Bulldogs injury list
Jordan Roughead – foot (test)
Fletcher Roberts – ankle (test)
Toby McLean – ac joint (2-4 weeks)
Koby Stevens – heel stress fracture (4-6 weeks)
Tom Liberatore – knee (season)
Clay Smith – knee (season)
