DEFENDER Trent McKenzie could be in line for his first AFL game of 2021 in Sunday afternoon’s clash with Collingwood.
McKenzie was one of the stand-out performers last season, finishing fifth in the best and fairest and winning the Coaches’ Award as the club’s most improved player.
The 29-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers at SANFL level but has not been able to break into the AFL team after an injury-interrupted start to the year and the strong form of Tom Jonas, Tom Clurey and Aliir Aliir in the key defensive posts.
A broken jaw suffered by Clurey in the loss to the Western Bulldogs means he will miss about six weeks of football, opening the door for McKenzie or fellow tall defender Jarrod Lienert – another consistent performer in the SANFL – to come in.
Lienert is averaging 24 disposals and six marks per game in 2021 along with nine rebound 50s to also put his name firmly in the mix to replace Clurey.
Dan Houston is another defensive option who could be in the frame to return, if he can prove he has overcome an AC joint injury that kept him out of the loss to the ‘Dogs, while first-year backman Lachie Jones is also looking to make a return after ankle surgery.
With no SANFL football last weekend due to the state game against the WAFL, there was limited opportunity for other players to push their claims.
Ruckman Sam Hayes, forward Boyd Woodcock and midfielder Sam Mayes will be among the other names discussed before selection on Thursday evening.
With Port to face Collingwood on Sunday, the club will name an extended squad on Thursday before trimming it down on Friday evening.
Sunday’s game at the MCG will get underway at 3:20pm AEST/2:50pm ACST.