One change is guaranteed for the game with vice-captain Henry Slattery suspended for five weeks following a collision in last week’s game against Sturt.
Preview: Port Adelaide v South Adelaide
But changes beyond that would appear unlikely, with the in-form Magpies sitting atop the ladder after six rounds, and five consecutive wins.
Tall utility Ben Haren, speedsters Darcy Byrne-Jones and Robbie Young, former Power rookie Danny Butcher and country product Ben Sawford have been named on the extended bench, with two to be culled from this group for Saturday’s game.
But Young is shaping as the club’s likely selection according to SANFL coach Garry Hocking, who told portadelaidefc.com.au the speed he brings will be useful on Saturday.
“Our form has been good and we have only one change at the moment with Robbie Young looking likely to come in for Slatts,” Hocking said.
“His form’s been good at this level and we know the speed he can bring to the team, but we’ve got a few other options in Danny Butcher and Ben Sawford who might come into the mix as well.”
Hocking is expecting a strong game against South Adelaide, which is ranked second on the ladder by percentage only.
It will be the first time Hocking and Panthers chief Brad Gotch have coached against each other in an official game since Gotch left his role as Port Adelaide’s AFL opposition analyst to take up the senior position at Noarlunga.
“They’re certainly well-coached and having a really good year,” Hocking said.
“We played them in a trial and got a bit out of that in terms of what they do around the footy, but we’re mindful that Gotchy’s probably been to a few of our games and will know a bit about us and what we like to do.
“Brett Eddy’s really good up forward and a real danger for us as the leading goalkicker for the competition.
“Nick Liddle, Joel Cross and Xavier Gotch are good mids as well as Keegan Brooskby as their ruck.
“We’re expecting a really good game – it’s basically 1-v-1 and we’ll know more at about 4:50pm on Saturday evening.”
Hocking is calling on all Port Adelaide supporters to get to Alberton Oval for the match – the only senior club game this weekend.
Join the Swoopers for their pre-game event.
“We had Mother’s Day last week which would have kept a couple away, but I think there’s a real chance without the Power playing for people to get down and watch us,” Hocking said.
“It’s an opportunity to come down and support us and our footy club as we defend top spot.
“We’ll need a really big turnout to get us over the line against a quality opponent, so I’m looking forward to seeing all our people at the ground on Saturday!”
Tickets to the game cost $14 general admission, $8 for concession and children under 18 free.
Power members can also purchase a We Are Port Adelaide upgrade to gain access to Magpies games by logging in here, or calling 1300 GO PAFC (1300 467 232) or visiting the club’s membership desk at The Port Club on game day.
Port Adelaide v South Adelaide game information
Saturday 17 May
Alberton Oval, Brougham Place, Alberton
League: 2:10pm
Academy: 11:25am
Tickets: $14 general admission, $8 concession, children under 18 free
Port Adelaide Round 7 SANFL squad v South Adelaide
FB: Tom Logan, Tom Clurey, Daniel Flynn
HB: Campbell Heath, Nathan Krakouer, Anthony Biemans
C: Cam O’Shea, Steven Summerton, Karl Amon
HF: Andrew Moore, John Butcher, Paul Stewart
FF: Brendon Ah Chee, Mitch Harvey, Sam Gray
Foll: Angus Bruggemann, Jake Neade, Ben Newton
Interchange from: Ben Haren, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Robbie Young, Danny Butcher, Ben Sawford
Into 23: Danny Butcher, Robbie Young, Ben Sawford
Out: Henry Slattery (suspended)
South Adelaide Round 7 SANFL squad v Port Adelaide
FB: Nathan Daniel, Luke Durdin, Brad Crabb
HB: Josh Thewlis, Tom Fields, Frazer Dale
C: Brent Macleod, Nick Murphy, Joel Cross
HF: Jake Veide, Brett Eddy, Matthew Rose
FF: Peter Rolfe, Alex Cailotto, Matt Rankine
Foll: Keegan Brooksby, Xavier Gotch, Nick Liddle
Interchange from: Emmanuel Irra, Joseph Haines, Adam Gulden, John McDonald, Tyson Brown
Into 23: Emmanuel Irra, Tyson Brown, Frazer Dale
Out: Josh Giddings
Port Adelaide Round 7 Academy team v South Adelaide
FB: Tom Corcoran, Aseri Raikiwasa, James Deeley-Godfrey
HB: Jack Foster, Ciaran Hollingworth-Hughes, Matt Venter
C: Justin Mills, Jack Cooper, Tom Clarke
HF: Sean Davidson, Sidney Masters, Ben Beioley
FF: Will Northeast, Sam Gordon, Zac Hawkins
Foll: Jonathon Ross, Kyran Dixon, Jack Haarsma
Interchange from: Jamahl LeBois, Anthony Prior
