Big Names Return
After injuring his left knee in a training mishap in December 2009, Rodan became the second AFL player behind Sydney Swans defender Nick Malceski to have the revolutionary LARS procedure.
The 27-year-old returned to the field in just 16 weeks and played the last 19 games of the season, but was forced to go back under the knife last November when scans revealed the synthetic ligament had frayed.
Last month, Rodan told portadelaidefc.com.au he hoped to play in the Power's last NAB Challenge game, but some strong performances on the training track have seen him recalled to the team a week earlier than expected.
Match Details vs Geelong
Football operations manager Peter Rohde said the Fijian-born on-baller would play at least half a game against the Cats.
"David's trained for the last three-to-four weeks fully and will definitely be playing on the weekend. He's done a fair chunk of training, so we think he's up for that and he'll definitely get a good hit-out," Rohde said.
"He's had virtually no hiccups at all since Christmas. He's moved along very quickly and we're looking forward to him getting back out there and getting some match practice before round one."
Ruckman Dean Brogan and midfielders Steven Salopek and Hamish Hartlett have also been included in the 30-man squad, which will be trimmed to 26 on Friday.
Training Photos: 02.03.11
Young players John Butcher, Marlon Motlop and Cameron Hitchcock have all been omitted from the team, while forward Brett Ebert will miss another week after having his tonsils removed on Monday.
It's likely the Power will play Greater Western Sydney, who were beaten by 157 points by Carlton last weekend, at Willaston in their final hit-out next week.
Rohde said the probable clash with the inexperienced Giants next weekend meant his club would put more emphasis on Friday night's game against the Cats.
"We've had an indication that it will be us playing GWS and we'll have to work our way through that next week," Rohde said.
"It certainly means it's very important that we get a good hit-out this week and because of the fact that we're playing at AAMI Stadium as well.
"Week four in Willaston…it's a different sort of venue and a country venue, so I think we'd like to treat this weekend as a full-dress rehearsal regardless of who we're playing next week."
