PORT Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas says his side has what it takes to beat Hawthorn at its own ‘unsociable’ style of game when the two sides meet at the MCG on Sunday.

The Power won the contested ball and also recorded a club-record 116 tackles against Richmond last weekend, but were outmuscled around the stoppages and went down by 47 points.

The loss was the club’s third straight and Thomas said it was imperative the visitors won the hard ball against the Hawks, who are regarded as one of the physically tougher sides in the competition.

“In and under footy seems to be the flavour of the month in the AFL and you can see that with [the number of] tackles being laid and the forward pressure. That was something that let us down on the weekend and we’ll be trying to rectify that this weekend for sure,” Thomas said on Thursday.

“It’s great that they (Hawthorn) play that way. I think we’re just as good at that, if not better so we’ll be bringing exactly the same to the table.”

The Power will hold their main training session at Alberton Oval on Thursday afternoon, with several key players needing to complete the session to be passed fit for Sunday’s game.

Ruckman Dean Brogan took part in the club’s early-morning goalkicking practice on Thursday and is likely to be given until later in the week to prove he’s recovered from back spasms that kept him sidelined against Richmond.

Forwards Cameron Hitchcock (shoulder) and Brett Ebert (concussion) also attended the session and could take the field this week, despite both spending significant time on the bench last weekend with injury.

Midfielder Steven Salopek also aggravated a shoulder complaint in the loss to the Tigers, but Thomas suggested both Salopek and Hitchcock were likely to play against the Hawks.

“Both the blokes (Salopek and Hitchcock) that had the shoulder injuries are no strangers to them. They have played with various injuries throughout their career and I think that’ll be no different this week,” Thomas said.

“The docs and physios do a great job, so whether they’re ready to go or not it’ll be their call and if they’re out on the park they’re 100 per cent.”

Forwards Daniel Motlop (club-imposed suspension) and Jason Davenport (AFL suspension) are also eligible for selection, while injury-ravaged onballer Hamish Hartlett and ex-Tiger Jay Schulz could also be considered.

The Power have endured a physically draining fortnight, with a game in Darwin played in 81 per cent humidity and another played in torrential rain at AAMI Stadium.

The players were afforded a lighter week on the track to freshen up and Thomas said the reduced training load had done the trick.

“Obviously those games have taken their toll on our bodies and this week was a bit of a light one. We’ve got two days off this week, which is great for the mind and body.”