PORT ADELAIDE will welcome back some experience into its line-up when it takes on Sturt today at Alberton Oval.

The Magpies went down to the Eagles by 68 points at Woodville Oval this week and coach Matthew Lokan said his side has learned plenty from the loss.

“We've obviously taken some really good education in last week's game against the Eagles and it's a really important game for us this week against Sturt,” he said.

“We have a really important stretch coming up with the next three games of sides that are sort of around us on the ladder.

“We reviewed it well, but we've moved on pretty quick as well and looking forward to today's game.”

Port Adelaide will add some much needed experience to its young side as it welcomes back its captain Cam Sutcliffe and rebounding defender Riley Bonner from the AFL side.

“Cam Sutcliffe will come back into the side. It will add some good experience and leadership into our group,” he said.

Young forward Ollie Lord competed well last week against the Eagles, booting two goals in the heavy loss, and Lokan said he’s been developing along nicely.

“Ollie [Lord] hasn't played a lot of football this year,” he said.

“He's a big guy that's really competitive and competing the contest.

“When Sam Hayes, who has been fantastic in the ruck for us this year, needs a chop out, he's a guy that can go in there and just be competitive.

“We expect him to get better from here on to the end of the season and it's important for him just to string some games together.

“People don't realise with Ollie, he hasn't really played any football against men before.

“So for him to be able to get some continuity playing against men is really important to his development, he's showed some good signs over the last couple of games.”

Sunday’s will be the first time mid-season rookie draftee Jed McEntee plays against his old side and he is expecting very few pleasantries when he lines up against his former teammates.

The first bounce at Alberton Oval is at 2.10pm.