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IT will be a testing day on the track on Thursday with several key players from both sides battling to prove their fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash at AAMI Stadium.
PortAdelaideFC.com.au takes a look at who’s in the mix for selection for Port Adelaide and Fremantle this week.
What changes do you think should be made? Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the article
Port Adelaide
Hamish Hartlett looks set to return from the hamstring injury he suffered against the Bulldogs in Round 12.
The talented 21-year-old still needs to prove his fitness at tomorrow’s closed session at AAMI Stadium, but expect him to line-up should the club’s medicos give him the all clear.
Jacob Surjan is also in line to return from injury, with the gutsy defender likely to prove he’s recovered from a glute injury at training on Thursday.
David Rodan (hamstring), John Butcher (hip), Brent Renouf (knee) and Jay Schulz (absomen) have all been ruled out because of injury.
[ Choose: The 22 you think should line-up on Sunday ]
Ben Jacobs stated his case for a return to the Power’s starting 22 with a best on ground performance for the Magpies, which also earned him the SANFL Player of the Week Award.
Jacobs dominated across half back racking up 29 possessions and using the ball very well by foot. The 20-year-old would be a logical replacement for Jasper Pittard, who suffered rib and lung injuries in Round 17, but will face strong competition from Darren Pfeiffer and Surjan for that spot.
Jarrad Redden received praise from the development coaches for his ruckwork in the Eagles’ win over Sturt and could be recalled to match Fremantle’s height. The Dockers played three ruckmen - Jon Griffin, Zac Clarke and Kepler Bradley - against GWS and are likely to do the same on Sunday if the conditions are dry.
Nathan Blee was good again for North Adelaide, playing as a forward last week and booting two goals, and is just waiting for his opportunity at AFL level while Cam Hitchcock returned successfully from a hamstring injury in the SANFL. It’s likely he’ll spend more time getting back to full fitness at Glenelg.
[ Related: Boost for Schulz & Power ]
The win over the Demons means it's likely the match committee won't swing too many changes when the team is announced on Thursday night.
The Power will conduct a closed training at AAMI Stadium on Thursday.
Fremantle
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon confirmed on Monday night that Nat Fyfe would make his long awaited return from shoulder surgery against the Power.
Fyfe hasn’t played since Round 5 against Carlton, when he dislocated the same shoulder he injured against Brisbane in Round 3.
It’s a welcome boost for the Dockers, who sit just percentage outside of the top 8 and will be desperate for a win in Adelaide, where they have won two of their past three against the Power.
Lyon also suggested Chris Mayne would return after missing against the Giants with a calf complaint.
[ Related: Power v Dockers talking points ]
Greg Broughton (back) and Zac Dawson (knee) will be tested at training while giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands is still up to a month away from returning with a toe injury.
Former Power midfielder Nick Lower is in doubt after leaving the ground for WAFL side Perth following consecutive concussions in previous weeks.
Lachie Neale was the standout Docker in the WAFL on the weekend with 35 touches for Swan Districts and will put pressure on the likes of Cameron Sutcliffe and Lee Spurr, who are yet to cement their place in Fremantle’s starting 22.
The Dockers travel to Adelaide on Friday night.
Full injury lists
Port Adelaide
John Butcher, hip - 1-2 weeks
Robbie Gray, knee - season
Hamish Hartlett, hamstring - test
Cam O’Shea, foot stress fracture - 5-6 weeks
Jasper Pittard, rib/lung - TBC
Brent Renouf, knee - TBC David Rodan, hamstring - 1 week
Nick Salter, foot - TBC
Jay Schulz, abdomen - 2-3 weeks
Jacob Surjan, glute - test
Fremantle
Nat Fyfe, shoulder - test
Viv Michie, foot - TBC
Aaron Sandilands, toe - 4 weeks
Zac Dawson, knee - test
Anthony Morabito, knee - season
Hayden Crozier, glandular fever - TBC
Greg Broughton, back - test
Antoni Grover, buttock - test
Gavin Roberts, adductor - 1 week
Chris Mayne, calf - test
Tom Sheridan, knee - test
