WATCH Matt Thomas - who's in the mix this week - in "Harder than a cat's head" above on PTV. Can't view the video? Watch on YouTube
A DISAPPOINTING loss to Hawthorn on Round 11 could result in several changes for the trip across the border to face the Bulldogs on Sunday.
The Bulldogs are coming off the bye and will be high on emotion following the passing of club legend Charlie Sutton, and could be boosted by the return of a couple of players from injury.
PortAdelaideFC.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for both sides ahead of selection.
Who do you think should be selected? Have your say at the bottom of the article.
Port Adelaide
Matt Thomas was a late withdrawal in Round 11 with a corked thigh, but Jay Schulz said on Tuesday he’s confident Thomas will play against the Bulldogs.
The hard-nut had one of his best games in Power colours against the Blues, playing as a defensive forward and his return would be a huge boost for a game expected to hinge on contested football. His courage and desperation was noted by the media after the game.
Fellow hard-man Tom Logan won his second consecutive SANFL Player of the Week award on the weekend, as judged by the development coaches.
The coaches were impressed with Logan’s mix of toughness and gut running, as well as his offensive spread from the contest. His stat line said it all - 26 disposals, 8 clearances and 2.1. Logan will again be banging down the door of the selection committee.
The big question for the selectors is who to replace should they choose Thomas and Logan?
Thomas could be a straight swap for Cam Hitchcock - who was his late replacement against the Hawks - or possibly Paul Stewart - who played as the defensive forward in his absence. Both would be unlucky, but Thomas’s form is hard to ignore.
[ Related: Who impressed in the SANFL? ]
Logan has predominantly played midfield in the SANFL, but it’s unclear if he’s able to crack into a young Power midfield. He has previously played as a small defender, but with Jacob Surjan’s improved form in 2012, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to force him out of the side.
Perhaps his best opportunity is as a crumbing forward who pinch-hits in the midfield, both roles he’s filled at times in the past.
Simon Phillips will also push for that crumbing role following a three-goal effort for Norwood in a losing side. ‘Flipper’ has been around the mark, but has so far been unable to crack a regular spot in the Power 22.
David Rodan was solid for Norwood, impressing at the stoppages and is a possibility to be recalled given the contested style of footy the Dogs play.
Other names up for selection include John Butcher, Aaron Young and Matt Lobbe.
Butcher returned from a hip complaint through the SANFL and impressed for the Magpies, booting two goals and taking a screamer. He could be recalled to stretch the Bulldogs down back, but is likely to spend at least another week in the SANFL.
[ Related: Round 11 injury update ]
Young has now had two good weeks for North following an ankle injury but like Logan and Thomas, it’s unclear who he’d force out of the side.
The development coaches again praised ruckman Matt Lobbe, saying he continues to improve each week. His talent around the ground and big engine could place pressure on Jarrad Redden, should the selection panel choose to go with two rucks again.
The Power will train on Thursday and travel to Melbourne on Saturday.
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs have a relatively short injury list and coming off the bye could welcome Tom Williams back from a long-term shoulder injury.
The key defender trained strongly at Whitten Oval on Tuesday and is a chance to be considered for selection given the height the Power possesses up forward.
Veteran Lindsay Gilbee returned from injury at Williamstown and despite taking a while to get the pace of the game again, did enough to suggest he could be called upon to add rebound from defence.
Clay Smith has shown some good form at VFL level and small forward Andrew Hooper was best on the weekend for Williamstown, booting four goals - both would be a chance to earn a senior call-up.
[ Related: Schulz - "Stats don't matter" ]
Former Lion Justin Sherman has been up and down in the VFL but he has undoubted talent when he’s on his game and is another who called be selected as an x-factor.
The Dogs will be without Dale Morris with a leg injury while Lukas Markovic and Nathan Djerrkura will all face fitness tests at training if they are any chance to be selected.
Club injury lists
Port Adelaide
Matt Thomas, corked thigh - test
Jasper Pittard, hamstring - test
Mitch Banner, knee - 2-3 weeks
Nick Salter, foot - 2-3 weeks
Travis Boak, foot - 3 weeks
Robbie Gray, knee - season
Western Bulldogs
Dale Morris, leg - indefinite
Tom Williams, shoulder - 2 weeks
Jason Johannisen, knee - 1 week
Jason Tutt, knee - 1 week
Lukas Markovic, hamstring - test
Nathan Djerrkura, quad - test
