PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least two changes for its Saturday twilight game against Hawthorn.

Despite having reported no injuries out of last week’s game, the suspension of Peter Ladhams and Dan Houston for breaching the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols will open the door for two new faces from the side which went down to Geelong last Friday night.

The versatile Brad Ebert is pushing to return to the side having missed the last few games with concussion symptoms, while Jarrod Lienert would also be eager to again take to the field in Port’s first home Sir Doug Nicholls Round game since 2013.

The defender has been unlucky to have been in and out this season, covering for other defenders when they were injured or suspended, and has performed admirably in each of his three games in 2020.

Another versatile option in Justin Westhoff could be considered for a recall, with his height and agility likely to cause some problems for the Hawthorn defence or forward line, depending on which end of the ground he lines up on. He would also act as a second ruck to support Scott Lycett in Ladhams’ absence.

Midfielder Willem Drew has been close to playing his first game for the season after foot surgery, while left footed defenders Joel Garner and Riley Bonner have each been named amongst the emergencies in recent weeks alongside first-year talent Miles Bergman, who is edging closer to his AFL debut.

Port Adelaide will on Friday evening name its side to tackle the Hawks, with first bounce at Adelaide Oval at 4:05pm ACST on Saturday.