PORT Adelaide defender Jackson Trengove will have the unenviable task of trying to stop Brisbane Lions skipper Jonathan Brown when the two teams meet at the Gabba on Sunday after full-back Alipate Carlile was ruled out of the game through injury.
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Carlile is expected to miss at least a fortnight with a persistent hip complaint, denying coach Matthew Primus his preferred match-up for Brown.
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The inspirational Lions forward kicked five goals to steer the Lions to victory when the two teams clashed at AAMI Stadium in round 10 last season, and looms as a match winner again this week.
Trengove will concede seven kilograms to Brown, and Primus said it would be a great challenge for the 20-year-old.
"Jackson Trengove will take him [Brown] at the start and we'll see how that goes," Primus said on Friday.
"Troy Chaplin can help him out there too if need be. It'll be another big step in the evolution of Jackson being a key back for us."
Young defender Jasper Pittard (hamstring) will also miss the trip to Brisbane, opening the door for forgotten utility Nick Salter to play his first game of the season.
Promising midfielder Hamish Hartlett dislocated his shoulder in the loss to North Melbourne last weekend, but has been named in the team and is expected to play.
However, Primus said the club would put an immediate end to Hartlett's season if his shoulder popped out again.
"I probably thought Hamish was gone, but his shoulder popped straight back in pain-free and he'll probably come up if he gets through training today," he said.
"If he has another episode we'll put him out for the season and get his shoulder operated on.
"Whether he [only] lasts this game or four or five games, time will tell."
The Power and Lions have managed only four wins-combined this season.
Port Adelaide has struggled to maintain its effort for four quarters, while the injury-hit Lions have lacked the polish to finish off games.
Primus said it was a "winnable" game for his inconsistent team.
"They (the Lions) have been competitive in a lot of games," he said.
"There have been one or two games where they've been blown away, but [other than that] they've been pretty good. They've blooded a lot of young kids and their senior players are playing well.
"It's a game we can win for sure, but they'll be thinking exactly the same thing."
Port Adelaide held its main training session of the week at Adelaide Oval where they will play Melbourne in round 24, as announced as part of the AFL's $12 million investment into South Australian football on Thursday.
The Power will receive $9 million in grants over the next three years to ensure a smooth transition to Adelaide Oval.
The cash-injection will allow the club to eliminate the need for part-time assistant coaches next season, and also bolster its medical and fitness staff.
With defensive coach Jason Cripps poised to take up a list management role at the club next year and the creation of an extra full-time assistant coaching position, the club is likely to be in the market for two new assistant coaches next year.
Former Adelaide defender and current Norwood coach Nathan Bassett recently expressed a desire to move into AFL ranks.
Primus didn't rule out making a play for the highly rated coach.
"Nathan's probably showed an interest to get into AFL, but he's signed with Norwood for three years, so I'm not sure whether he wants to see out that contract or not," Primus said.
"I think there will be a few clubs having a chat to him."
Katrina Gill covers Port Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill
