PORT ADELAIDE will be forced into at least one change at the selection table with confirmation of Kane Farrell’s season-ending knee injury.

Farrell was substituted out of the win over Hawthorn after injuring his right knee early in the first quarter.

His replacement Martin Frederick on Saturday night is in the mix to come into the starting line-up for Thursday night’s blockbuster against Melbourne after nailing his first AFL goal soon after coming on.

Frederick’s pace and composure have been a highlight of his play since making his debut earlier this season but he has primarily played in the backline or on a wing.

Hamish Hartlett was in fine form in the SANFL, notching a game-high 33 disposals, five marks, seven tackles and three clearances and will also come into consideration after missing the last two AFL games.

Farrell has primarily been used as a forward but has also been known to rotate through the midfield or also on a wing and without Robbie Gray and Orazio Fantasia in the forward line in recent weeks due to injury, the selection committee could opt for someone who plays more in that small forward role.

Boyd Woodcock was also superb in the club’s SANFL win over Central District. He had 26 disposals, five clearances and a goal on a day when majors were hard to come by.

Another who made it know he was eager to get back to AFL action was Zak Butters who planted himself firmly into selection calculations despite surprising even himself with his return from injury in Saturday’s game at Elizabeth Oval.

Butters had 21 disposals, six marks, four clearances and two vital late goals to help Port to victory.

Melbourne plays dual ruckmen in Max Gawn and Luke Jackson and that could sway selectors to pick either Pete Ladhams, who was the carryover emergency and didn’t get any action on the weekend, or Sam Hayes.

The younger of the ruckmen had another strong showing in the SANFL at the weekend, finishing with 22 disposals, seven marks, three clearances and a game-high 42 hit-outs – double the efforts of Centrals big man Jonathan Marsh who was next best with 21.

The return to full fitness of defender Tom Clurey will also give the coaches something to think about given his solid 16 disposal, eight mark hit-out after his return from a broken jaw.

Port Adelaide will name its AFL side to face the Demons on Wednesday evening.