Andrew Fuss investigates who’s In the Mix for selection for both sides this week.
Port Adelaide
Angus Monfries is out. Chad Wingard is very unlikely to play.
Two spots up for grabs and a number of players in strong form in the SANFL for the Magpies.
Aaron Young seems to be in the box seat to take one of those spots. He was everywhere for the Magpies, racking up an incredible 13 clearances in his 28 disposals against Norwood in Round 1 last Thursday night.
Paul Stewart could do the job vacated by Monfries, but he’s only had one game back from injury, so may still be a week or two away from returning to AFL level.
Cam Hitchcock could be considered a replacement for Wingard after some strong performances in trial games while his namesake Cam O’Shea has been in reasonable SANFL form and will be pushing for a spot.
Veteran defender Tom Logan continues his good form in the SANFL, along with youngster Sam Colquhoun, but spots in the Power’s defence are hard to come by at the moment.
Sam Gray has consistently been in the best players for the Magpies, but remains on the rookie list and is unavailable for AFL selection at this stage.
Port Adelaide injury list
Angus Monfries (hamstring) – 3-4 weeks
Lewis Stevenson (toe) – available
Ben Newont (concussion) – available
Andrew Moore (AC joint) – available
Chad Wingard (ankle) – doubtful
Jay Schulz (foot) – available
Jarrad Redden (knee) – 3-4 weeks
Campbell Heath (shine) – 3-4 weeks
Sam Russell (hamstring) – 6-8 weeks
Mason Shaw (wrist) – 6-7 weeks
Port Adelaide’s team last week
FB: Jack Hombsch, Alipate Carlile, Tom Jonas
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Matthew Broadbent
C: Kane Cornes, Hamish Hartlett, Jared Polec
HF: Angus Monfries, Justin Westhoff, Ollie Wines
FF: Chad Wingard, John Butcher, Jay Schulz
Ruck: Matt Lobbe, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert
Interchange from: Dom Cassisi, Robbie Gray, Jarman Impey, Matt White
Brisbane
Brisbane will be forced to make at least three changes, with injuries and suspension hitting the Lions after their loss to the Gold Coast in QClash7.
Daniel Rich had his worst fears confirmed earlier in the week with the star Lion being told he had a ruptured ACL, ruling him out indefinitely.
Rich will be joined on the sidelines by goal-sneak Josh Green, who strained a hamstring against the Suns.
Daniel Merrett is another major out for the visitors, with the key back being slapped with a two-week ban for striking David Swallow.
Experienced defenders Matt Maguire and Ryan Harwood are logical replacements for Merrett, but they may face competition from youngster Darcy Gardiner.
Nick Robertson is in line to debut after a 30 disposal game in the NEAFL while former Collingwood player Jackson Paine could make his first appearance for the Lions after booting five goals in the reserves.
Small forward Rohan Bewick kicked three goals in the NEAFL and will be a strong chance to replace Green in the Lions’ forward line.
James Polkinghorne played his first game back from a knee injury for the Lions reserves, but is unlikely to be rushed back into the senior team too quickly.
Brisbane injury list
Claye Beams (foot) – 3 weeks
Josh Green (hamstring) – 1 week
Stefan Martin (back) – indefinite
Ash McGrath (calf) – indefinite
Brent Staker (calf) – indefinite
Luke McGuane (knee) – knee
Sam Michael (hamstring) – test
Daniel Rich (knee) – indefinite
Patrick Weardon (ankle) – 12 weeks
Brisbane’s team last week
B: Merrett, Lisle, Clarke
HB: Rich, Patfull, Adcock
C: Hanley, Moloney, Green
HF: Zorko, Close, Rockliff
F: West, Brown, Mayes
Foll: Leuenberger, Redden, Paparone
Interchange: Aish, Taylor, Lester, Golby
