And the three share a talent for hard running which will add a critical edge to the Power team on the fast Etihad surface.
As expected, previously suspended tall Justin Westhoff returns to the team and will resume his roles playing across the half-forward line and supporting Matthew Lobbe in the ruck.
Match preview
But two somewhat unexpected changes have also been made with speedsters Kane Mitchell and Sam Colquhoun receiving a call up.
Popular with supporters for his incredible running ability, Mitchell debuted at the beginning of the 2013 season after being elevated from the club’s rookie list.
Having played more recently for SANFL affiliate Woodville-West Torrens and recovering from an ankle injury two weeks ago, Mitchell will add much needed run into the team.
“Kane’s had a little bit of an injury in the last month and recovered well from that,” senior coach Ken Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“We’re always keen enough to bring him back into the side when we can though and this match is a good opportunity for that.”
Colquhoun has been in strong form in the SANFL for Central District, having featured in the best players for the Bulldogs most weeks.
SANFL Report
Hinkley says his selection along with Mitchell both rewards good SANFL form and injects speed into the team.
“We’ve certainly picked some boys who are in good form and can add to our run and Kane and Sam can both do that,” he said.
“One of the key reasons for us choosing Sam is that he’s a good, young player who has had superb SANFL form and earned his right to come back into the team.”
The trio replaces the suspended Kane Cornes, and smaller utilities Tom Logan and Matt Thomas.
“Logan is our travelling emergency so he’ll still be close to the team, but he hurt himself a few weeks ago and hasn’t been at his best since,” said Hinkley.
“Matt Thomas is a bit the same, he’s played well but we think we’ve got a few too many similar players to him such as Boak, Hartlett, Wines and Moore.”
Port Adelaide lost to Essendon at Etihad Stadium two weeks ago and Hinkley says the club has taken some valuable lessons out of that match.
Away match info
He’s wary of a dangerous St Kilda side led by two of the league’s best players of the past decade.
“We learned that Etihad’s a really fast ground to play on and a dangerous one at that if you’re not switched on defensively,” said Hinkley.
“That showed when the Bombers kicked lots of goals in bursts against us.
“We need to bring what we always want and that’s intensity at the contest and the ability to win the contested ball.
“We need to be able to shut down a really good football side in St Kilda, led by Nick Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo.”
Port Adelaide played St Kilda at Etihad Stadium at 7:40pm (AEST) on Saturday 20 July.
Port Adelaide Round 17 team v St Kilda
FB: Cameron O’Shea, Alipate Carlile, Tom Jonas
HB: Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove, Sam Colquhoun
C: Chad Wingard, Travis Boak, Jasper Pittard
HF: Robbie Gray, John Butcher, Angus Monfries
FF: Justin Westhoff, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett
Interchange: Paul Stewart, Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Kane Mitchell
Emergencies: Tom Logan, Matt Thomas, Jack Hombsch
In: Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell, Justin Westhoff
Out: Kane Cornes (suspended), Tom Logan, Matt Thomas (omitted)
