PORT ADELAIDE is aiming to keep in touch with the top five when it takes on West Adelaide on Sunday in the SANFL.

The Magpies currently sit one game and percentage outside of the finals and are coming off a 36-point loss to Norwood on Saturday afternoon.

With the AFL side losing Connor Rozee, Steven Motlop and Zak Butters, the trio of Boyd Woodcock, Pete Ladhams and Riley Bonner have been called upon to make the trek to Marvel Stadium to face St Kilda on Saturday afternoon.

The last time they met, Port knocked off the Bloods by 29 points at Alberton Oval earlier this season, and coach Matthew Lokan is expecting a battle.

“Westies’ biggest strength is their hunger, Brad Gotch is an experienced coach,” he said.

“We have a few players out due to injuries in the AFL side.”

West Adelaide is currently bottom of the SANFL ladder with two wins, but led midway through the third quarter during the club’s last meeting.

Sam Hayes dominated in the ruck last match with 36 hitouts, 16 touches, seven inside 50s and six clearances and Lokan said he’s been important this season.

“Sam’s been in terrific form this year, it’s unfortunate when he’s been playing well both Scott (Lycett) and Pete (Ladhams) have been in really good form in the AFL as well,” he said.

Sam Mayes, Cam Wildman and Tom Corcoran were also impressive in the Magpies’ victory earlier this season.

Port will also unveil another debutant at SANFL level, with former Sturt junior Oliver Cheesman named in Lokan's side.

Port Adelaide’s clash with West Adelaide gets underway at 2.35pm at Hisense Stadium.