Alipate Carlile has steadily recovered from a quadricep problem sustained during pre-season and was held back from the Power’s 33-point win over Carlton on Sunday night.
But the key backman will be ready to go against the Crows in the historic first Balfours Showdown at the Adelaide Oval on March 29.
Carlile’s impending return is welcome news for the Power, and adds to the availability of young midfielders Aaron Young and Andrew Moore who were recovered from shoulder knocks sustained in the club’s trial game against St Kilda last night.
Young played in a Magpies trial game last Friday.
Burgess told portadelaidefc.com.au the trio would be available to play either in the AFL or SANFL in a fortnight.
“Young and Moore were fine after copping a few knocks in the trial game against the Saints and would be available for selection if we were playing this week,” Burgess said.
“The same goes for Carlile; he’ll be available for Round 2.”Just four players sit on the injury list with no new injuries reported from the Power’s Sunday night victory.
A weekend’s rest courtesy of the split opening round will provide Paul Stewart and Campbell Heath with more time to recover from respective calf and shin problems.
Stewart is likely to be assessed before the Power’s Round 2 clash with the Crows, but Campbell Heath remains a longer proposition.
Injured ruckman Jarrad Redden is now up to a month away from full training, while rookie-listed Sam Russell will undergo scans on a hamstring injured during an internal SANFL trial game last week.
Port Adelaide AFL injury list as of Monday 17 March
Andrew Moore - shoulder (available)
Alipate Carlile - quad soreness (available)
Paul Stewart - calf (assess)
Campbell Heath - shin (1-2 weeks)
Jarrad Redden - knee (3-4 weeks)
Sam Russell - hamstring (TBC)*
Port Adelaide SANFL injury list as of Monday 17 March
Danny Butcher - ankle (2 weeks)
Danny Butcher - ankle (2 weeks)
