JACKSON MEAD will be named in Port Adelaide’s AFL side for the first time for the club’s AAMI Community Series game against the Crows.
Mead, the son of inaugural John Cahill Medallist Darren Mead, is part of a 26-man side to be named for the game on Sunday afternoon at Noarlunga.
Captain Tom Jonas and forward Robbie Gray will return after missing the club’s practice game against Adelaide last week but Todd Marshall (cheek/eye), Trent McKenzie (corky) and Hamish Hartlett (hamstring soreness) have dropped out.
All are expected to be available for the club’s season opener against North Melbourne in a fortnight.
“Todd, Trent and Hamish could all have probably played against Adelaide this week but with the season so close we are taking the cautious approach,” said General Manager – Football, Chris Davies.
It can also be confirmed that Tyson Goldsack will miss the start of the SANFL season after suffering a medial ligament injury to his left knee during the club’s SANFL trial game on Thursday night.
“We’re disappointed for Tyson,” said Davies.
“His injury means he will miss a period of time at the start of the SANFL season but that won’t affect his value to the group.”
Young forward Ollie Lord has been cleared of any injury after a head clash in the same game.
During the AAMI Community Series clubs can use up to 26 players, however only 22 can be playing at any one time, meaning the four additional players can sub in throughout the match.
The new interchange cap of 75 will also apply.
Port Adelaide’s full side will be named at 5:50pm ACDT on Saturday.
The game at Noarlunga Oval gets underway at 3:40pm.
