ONLY two players will start round one on the injury list after Dom Cassisi and John Butcher were cleared to play last week.

Nick Salter (foot) and Brendon Ah Chee (newly added with a knee complaint) are the only players on the injury list.

It means Port Adelaide selectors will have one of the strongest playing lists to select from on the eve of the season.

Director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson told portadelaidefc.com.au the health of the team means significant competition for spots in Round 1 against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

“There’s no doubt it’s good news (having so few injuries) but of course we have a few more training sessions between now and the game so anything can happen in a week,” Richardson told portadelaidefc.com.au

“We’re really happy with the shape we’re in though.

“When you go into a pre-season having had 17 surgeries (to injured players) you get a little bit concerned about how they’re going to go.

“It’s really impressive (so few injuries) and ultimately it will end up putting some significant pressure on for spots.”

Port Adelaide’s team for Sunday’s match against Melbourne will be revealed first on portadelaidefc.com.au this Thursday evening at 6.00pm.

Port Adelaide injury list as of Monday 25 March
Brendon Ah Chee (knee) – 1 week
Nick Salter (foot) – 6 weeks