PORT ADELAIDE faces its second top-four contender in as many weeks and despite an increasing injury list has some scope to make changes to its side this weekend.

PortAdelaideFC.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for both Port Adelaide and the West Coast Eagles ahead of the Round 21 clash.

What changes do you think should be made? Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the article or pick your Best 22 here.

Port Adelaide

Aaron Young and Steven Salopek were both impressive in the SANFL again on the weekend and Young particularly will be a strong chance to return to the Power side where he has served as an emerging utility and substitute this year.

He was named Player of the Week by Port Adelaide’s football development team and his mid-20 possession performance in a losing Roosters side.

[ Related: SANFL report ]

With the Port Adelaide injury list extending to seventeen unfit players, the options to come into the side are few and far between.

Troy Chaplin will not play for the remainder of the season as he prepares for knee surgery.

Similarly Hamish Hartlett will miss Port Adelaide’s last two home games, this week against the Eagles and against the Brisbane Lions six days later, through suspension.

Those who could come into the side from the injury list are however significant.

With two unforced changes certain, the selection panel led by caretaker coach Garry Hocking does have some scope to omit underperforming players with backman Alipate Carille a logical replacement for Chaplin should he pass a fitness test this week.

Jasper Pittard will also undergo a fitness test after sustaining rib and lung injuries a month ago against Melbourne after colliding with teammate Chad Wingard.

Wingard himself, along with Tom Jonas and Jacob Surjan, will also be tested for fitness this week coming from respective glute, back and calf/groin injuries.

Surjan is likely to return through Port Adelaide’s SANFL side.

With five names likely, there could potentially be a number of changes to the look and composition of Port Adelaide’s side this weekend.

[ Related: Round 20 injury update ]

Tall forward Daniel Stewart is also potential for a recall to the Power after being omitted against the Hawks to satisfy tactical matches in Round 20 last weekend.

The Power will have a closed training at AAMI Stadium on Thursday ahead of an open Captain’s Run at Alberton Oval on Saturday.

West Coast Eagles

Wingman Bradd Dalziell is a chance to return for the Eagles this weekend after a solid performance for East Fremantle in the WAFL last week.

Youngster Koby Stevens also had a solid performance for East Fremantle.

[ Related: Behind Enemy Lines ]

Despite these good performances, no injuries were reported by the Eagles following last week’s win over the Cats and it may be one of the few occasions this year that West Coast has been able to make unforced changes, with several players set to face fitness tests before heading to Adelaide this week.

First choice forward Josh Kennedy will be one of those places after finally reaching a fitness test having injured his ankle in round three, however it is likely that he will return through his WAFL affiliate side, rather than make the trip to AAMI Stadium.

Matthew Rosa will also be subject to a fitness test after undertaking two weeks of rehabilitation having endured a jaw fracture against Brisbane a fortnight ago.

Sam Butler missed playing for the Eagles in last week’s win over Geelong due to a calf complaint, but is expected to come back into the side this week.

Full injury lists

Port Adelaide
Brendon Ah Chee, knee - season
Danny Butcher, hip - season
John Butcher, hip - season
Alipate Carlile, back/hamstring - test
Troy Chaplin, knee - season
Robbie Gray, knee - season
Cameron Hitchcock, hamstring - 3-4 weeks
Ben Jacobs, ankles - season
Tom Jonas, soreness - test
Ben Newton, knee - season
Cam O’Shea, foot stress fracture - 4 weeks
Jasper Pittard, rib/lung - available
Brent Renouf, knee - season
Nick Salter, foot - season
Jacob Surjan, back - test
Daniel Webb, pectoral strain - season
Chad Wingard, glute - test