Full back Alipate Carlile returns from a back complaint which kept him out of last Sunday’s game against Hawthorn, while Tom Jonas is named at half-back after recovering from a calf injury which also cost him a week.
Chad Wingard has also been named in a squad of 25 after overcoming a glute strain.
Aaron Young has been recalled, while Daniel Stewart is back in contention having been a late omission from the side beaten by Hawthorn last week.
The only players so far excluded from last week’s team are Troy Chaplin, who has undergone season-ending surgery, and Hamish Hartlett who is serving a two-week suspension.
Port Adelaide’s squad will be finalised on Friday afternoon, ahead of the 12.40pm Sunday clash with the finals-bound visitors
Defence coach Brad Gotch says Carlile is ready to return as a tall-for-tall replacement for Chaplin.
“The week off has done Bobby well and he trained well today, so there’s no reason to think that he’s not right,” Gotch told PortAdelaideFC.com.au
“He looked really good at training today, like he hadn’t missed a beat.”
21-year-old Jonas brings versatility to the Power backline, assisting Carlile in covering Chaplin’s absence against the Eagles’ forward mix.
“Jonas gives us similar to Chappy,” Gotch said.
“Chappy’s a bit taller, but Tommy gives us a bit of that that versatility that Chappy does in that he can play on the tallish, the medium and even the smalls.”
Young returns from a week out of the line-up, having been omitted to give him game time at SANFL level after serving as the Power’s substitute in several games.
The 20-year-old made the most of his time with North Adelaide, racking up 25 possessions while playing in the Roosters midfield.
“He went back last week and did really well,” Gotch said.
“He got an opportunity to have a good hit-out which is what he needed. Just the fact he’d been a sub for a couple of weeks in a row, we felt he’d be better for the run.”
Wingard was ruled out of last week’s contest on Friday, but has recovered fully.
“He trained well today (Thursday) and he’s a quality player with plenty of class,” Gotch said.
If he plays, it will be Wingard’s 17th game in his inaugural season after being taken with pick No. 6 at last year’s AFL Draft.
“It’s a fantastic effort by Chad and we’re pleased we’ve been able to manage him to get that many games out of him in his first year, “ Gotch said. “It looks good for the future.”
Jasper Pittard will play at SANFL level to regain fitness after recovering from a fractured rib and partially collapsed lung suffered in the Round 17 win over Melbourne.
