PORT Adelaide's assault on a top-eight berth has not distracted the club from its steady rebuilding process.
At the selection table on Thursday, veteran Darryl Wakelin made way for in-form 20-year-old Alipate Carlile, while Adam Thomson was given the nod to add to his 15-game tally.
Wakelin was squeezed out last time Port Adelaide faced the undersized Bulldogs, but this week he was replaced by his Fijian-born apprentice who will play his first game alongside second-cousin David Rodan.
Statistically a mirror image of Wakelin at 192cm and 94kg, Carlile's speed and agility were two reasons coach Mark Williams went for the switch.
"Alipate's in fantastic form and he's a developing young player we need to get into our side as to give ourselves good security going forward," Williams said.
"Darryl [Wakelin] will look forward to trying to get back in the side, but at the same time Alipate will look forward to playing some games and getting experience."
"Moving forward for our club, it's a vital step and one Darryl was very much aware of at the start of this year."
Uncompromising midfielder Thomson was also rewarded for his irresistible SANFL form with Sturt.
"It's been quite difficult for Adam to get into the side this year, but with Pearcey out it gives us an opportunity to bring another midfielder in.
"Adam's been in stellar form and kicking goals as well so if you bring the young guys in at the right time and they're hungry you can get a great result."
The news wasn't so good for NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Robbie Gray, who is in doubt for Saturday's Telstra Dome shootout after leaving the track early with a calf injury.
"We'll have to see how Robbie pulls up. He was a bit sore come Wednesday and today he's not much better, so he's probably in a bit of doubt," Williams said.
The Power have been able to counter the Bulldogs' hard-running, attacking style of play in recent times, having won three of the past four clashes between the sides.
Williams expects another fast-paced contest on Saturday with both teams set to employ similar tactics motivated by the same September cause.
"They're going to have a lot of shots on goal and they are still going to have Brad Johnson in the forward line by himself."
"It's going to be a little bit of a hold your breath atmosphere, but they'll give us opportunities to score as well because that's how they play," Williams said.
"The Bulldogs are very close to where we are on the ladder and they'll want to win as much as we do.
"We've won four games away, which is just a fantastic thing for a young side. "Now we have a realistic opportunity to win another away game and well take that on with all the energy we can."
