PORT ADELAIDE could elect to go in unchanged for its Round 19 clash with Collingwood on Friday night if Boyd Woodcock is able to overcome a corked thigh.
Woodcock was subbed out in the last quarter of the win over St Kilda on Saturday but has pulled up well and is expected to be available for selection.
If he is unable to take his place, or the coaches opt to make changes to the balance of the team at selection, one man who has put his hand well and truly up for a recall is Xavier Duursma.
The 21-year-old returned to the field a fortnight ago following close to three months out after knee surgery and was named Port’s best in its SANFL win over West Adelaide on Sunday.
He had an equal game-high 27 disposals along with four tackles and two clearances, playing on the ball.
His first quarter in particular was impressive with eleven disposals and two goals.
Another who had a strong showing was Hamish Hartlett, who joined Duursma with 27 disposals. He also had five clearances and six tackles to add to his first quarter goal.
Having endured a lengthy absence following a lacerated spleen, in his third game back Jackson Mead had his best performance. He was another to rack up 27 disposals in the slippery conditions at Richmond and his six clearances and a goal were also important in the result. Mead also offers the versatility of playing in the forward line – an area where Port Adelaide has been heavily impacted by injury.
Defender Tom Clurey was solid down back while Sam Hayes continued his impressive season playing a relatively lone hand in the ruck.
Port Adelaide could also have forwards Connor Rozee and Zak Butters available for selection if they can prove their fitness at training after each missing the win over St Kilda with knee injuries, while first-year defender Lachie Jones is also ready to resume after missing four games with a hamstring injury.
Classy left footer Joel Garner was the travelling emergency for the game against the Saints and was unable to feature in the SANFL due to a requirement for players to isolate upon their return to Adelaide, but is another in the mix for selection after a consistent season so far.
Port Adelaide will name its AFL side to face Collingwood on Thursday evening.