The club has confirmed that veteran Dom Cassisi and defender Nick Salter will join Cameron Hitchcock, John Butcher, Robbie Gray and Brent Renouf on the club’s injury list.
It is hoped Cassisi (calf) will be available for Port’s round two NAB Cup clash against Melbourne in Renmark on Sunday 3 March.
Port Adelaide plays the Saints from 5.15pm on Sunday followed by the Crows at 6.20pm. Buy your tickets here.
The club has moved to add Salter to its long-term injury list after he suffered a stress fracture to the foot not operated on in recent years.
The injury is expected to sideline Salter for at least eight weeks.
His injury provides scope for the club to elevate one of its four rookies to the senior list after the NAB Cup. Under AFL rules all rookies are eligible for selection during the pre-season competition.
Director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson said the injury to Salter was disappointing for the player and the club, but the 25-year-old should return early in the 2013 season.
“It’s really disappointing for Salts given his history [with injury] at this early stage of the year, he can’t get a run and the reality is that in elite sport setbacks will happen,” said Richardson
“He will just focus on his rehab and once match fit he’ll still have an opportunity to play a significant role for the team given he’ll be back early in the season.”
In a positive for the club, tall forward Daniel Stewart will be considered for selection after a successful two-goal performance in the Power’s trial match last Friday evening.
“It was really pleasing to see Daniel play, he’s obviously had [shoulder and hip] surgery and missed the early stages of pre-season,” said Richardson.
“We were really happy with the way he moved and attacked the footy [in the trial match] and he clearly has the potential to play a significant role given his ability to play as a key forward and in the ruck.”
Ruckman Matthew Lobbe, captain Travis Boak and teenager Chad Wingard were all rested for the trial and will be assessed prior to selection on Thursday.
Injury list as of Monday 11 February
Nick Salter – foot*
Dom Cassisi – calf
Cameron Hitchcock – plantar fascia
John Butcher – hip
Robbie Gray – knee
Brent Renouf – knee
*Application lodged with AFL to add to long-term injury list
