With a number of players displaying strong form in the SANFL, there are bound to be selection headaches at Alberton later this week.
Port Adelaide emerged unscathed on the injury front after their narrow loss in Hobart last Saturday.
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However, the club will demand strong commitment and intensity from the starting 18 this weekend after three disappointing first quarter efforts over the last four rounds.
Jarrad Redden continued his good form in the Eagles’ big win over South Adelaide at Woodville Oval on Sunday, kicking five goals.
Development coach Tyson Edwards was impressed with Redden’s performance, saying that “he was really lively, marked balls and set up goals”.
With Brent Renouf subbed out of the Kangaroos game in the third quarter, he may be challenged for selection by Redden’s continued strong performances.
Andrew Moore continues to push for a return to the Power midfield, once again being named in North Adelaide’s best players in their surprise win over reigning SANFL premiers Norwood on Saturday.
Development Manager Daniel Healy said that Moore is “looking ready to go”.
“He grabbed it at centre bounces, powered away and took the game on.
“It was really pleasing to see.”
He may challenge Matthew Broadbent or newly re-promoted Kane Mitchell for their places in the starting 22.
Jackson Trengove’s absence from the trip to Hobart highlighted a lack of height in the backlines and selectors may look to bolster the defensive unit.
They’ll be hoping that Jasper Pittard will be fit to play, but his availability is still not certain as he recovers from his hip flexor injury.
Sam Colquhoun picked up 28 touches in the Bulldogs’ defeat of the Magpies at Alberton, getting the tick of approval from development coach Stuart Cochrane.
Cochrane noted that “his ball use was really good and probably just three of his kicks went to 50-50 contests so his efficiency was really good”.
Nick Salter kicked four goals for the Eagles in his first senior game since returning from a long term foot injury, but is unlikely to be considered for an AFL promotion for now.
Roxby Downs boy Jack Hombsch could be an ideal player to slip into the backlines and Healy was pleased he found some form last weekend in the SANFL reserves (Hombsch played for Port’s reserves because Sturt had the bye).
Port Adelaide will announce its team at 5.55pm on Thursday evening. Download the Club App here to get the team first
portadelaidefc.com.au’s possible starting line up:
FF: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray
HF: Angus Monfries, Justin Westhoff, Kane Mitchell
C: Kane Cornes, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert
HB: Jasper Pittard, Cameron O’Shea, Matthew Broadbent
FB: Tom Jonas, Alipate Carlile, Campbell Heath
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Hamish Hartlett, Dom Cassisi
Int: Oliver Wines, Jarrad Redden, Jake Neade, Andrew Moore
In – Redden, Moore, Pittard
Out – Renouf, P Stewart, Stevenson
Port Adelaide injury list after Round 6
Danny Butcher – AC joint (available)
Jasper Pittard – hip flexor (assess)
Brett Ebert – adductor (2-4 weeks)
Jackson Trengove – foot (9 weeks)
Enemy Lines: Richmond
The Tigers are sure to approach this weekend’s game with true intent, coming off their third loss in succession, to Geelong last Saturday night by 44 points.
Ivan Maric has been rated a chance to retain his place in Richmond’s side, with his recovery from the ankle injury he sustained in last weekend’s loss coming along well.
Ty Vickery will need to pass a concussion test to line up against the Power.
Richmond’s defensive stocks have been hit hard, with both Ricky Petterd (calf) and Dylan Grimes (foot) named on Richmond’s injury list as being 1-2 weeks away.
Former North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards took 16 marks and kicked two goals for Coburg in the VFL last weekend, and is pressing hard for selection after kicking 19 goals in the last five weeks in the VFL.
Former Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson is also pushing for selection should Maric or Vickery not make the final cut.
Richmond’s last team
FF: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Jake King
C: Chris Newman, Trent Cotchin, Chris Knights
HB: Dylan Grimes, Ricky Petterd, Brandon Ellis
FB: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Shaun Grigg
Int: Bachar Houli, Nick Vlastuin, Daniel Jackson, Matt White (substitute)
Richmond injury list
Ivan Maric – ankle (test)
Ty Vickery – concussion (test)
Ricky Petterd – calf (1-2 weeks)
Dylan Grimes – foot (1-2 weeks)
Reece Conca – foot (3-4 weeks)
Brett O’Hanlon – ankle (3-4 weeks)
