PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least one change to its side to tackle Essendon on Saturday afternoon.

With Riley Bonner’s hamstring injury to keep him out for at least a month, there will be several players looking to grab hold of an opportunity in the senior side.

Experienced defender Hamish Hartlett is available after missing the Round 1 win over North Melbourne with hamstring soreness while exciting forward Connor Rozee will be pushing to prove he is ready to resume after surgery on his foot a fortnight ago.

The versatile Sam Mayes was the traveling emergency at the weekend and could come into consideration given his ability to play multiple roles.

Forward Mitch Georgiades was impressive in the SANFL trial against Sturt last week, booting two goals, while Jackson Mead performed admirably through the midfield and is pressing for an AFL debut.

Having recovered from a corked thigh that kept him out of the AAMI Community Series, backman Trent McKenzie could also come into consideration by the selectors.

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