PORT Adelaide could blood as many as three debutants in its season opener against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium next weekend.

Coach Matthew Primus has all but guaranteed second-year defender Jasper Pittard a spot in the side for round one, while draftees Cam O'Shea and Jarrad Irons are also in the mix to play against the Magpies.

Pittard spent the majority of his first year at Alberton playing in the Sturt reserves, but has been a standout performer on the track this pre-season.

The neat-kicking defender had minimal influence on the NAB Challenge game against Greater Western Sydney last weekend after copping a knock to the head, but three-time Port best and fairest winner Kane Cornes said the 20-year-old was ready to make his AFL debut.

"Jasper's probably improved the most out of anyone on our list and is likely to be given the opportunity to start in our back six," Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au.

"His defensive stuff has really improved. He's one guy in the backline that uses the ball really well and he's also got great speed."

O'Shea could also be given an opportunity to start the season in Port Adelaide's defence, which will be without former vice-captain Jacob Surjan (knee) until at least round two.

O'Shea was drafted with the Power's last live pick in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, but has played in all of the club's pre-season games.

Cornes said the 197cm utility's endurance would be an asset to the team with the introduction of the AFL's new substitute rule.

"Cam's come into the club and done everything right," Cornes said.

"He's athletically gifted. He has a huge engine and is also one of the quickest players on our list. He's got a lot of weapons and his ability to play on someone down back and defend has been great."

Irons has been arguably the most impressive of the emerging trio throughout the pre-season competition.

The rookie-listed onballer picked up 22 possessions and kicked 1.2 in Port Adelaide's big win over Geelong in week three of the NAB Challenge and is putting pressure on second-year forward Cameron Hitchcock.

The Power are able to promote one rookie to the senior list, following the long-term shoulder injury to ruckman Matthew Lobbe.

Cornes said Irons was capable of following in Hitchcock's footsteps last year and playing a lot of games off the rookie list in his first season.

"Jarrad has surprised everyone. He was the last player picked on our [rookie] list last year, but he just suits the modern-day AFL player," Cornes said.

"He's able to put a huge amount of pressure on defensively. He can play midfield or up forward and has a good engine as well, so it's pretty exciting heading into round one."

Port Adelaide will seek permission for up to 10 players to play with their SANFL clubs this weekend, including forward Brett Ebert, who has recovered from tonsillitis.

Midfielder Matt Thomas tore the plantar fascia in his right foot early in the game against GWS and is in doubt for round one, while draftee Ben Jacobs (glandular fever) is expecting to play for the Port Magpies within a month.

Jarrad Irons is a $80,400 midfielder in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.