A classy forward, key back and experienced utility headline a list of players in the mix for selection for Port Adelaide’s clash with Carlton this weekend.

After nearly a month on the sidelines following ankle surgery, Steven Motlop will be looking to prove he is ready to return to the field.

The smooth moving forward trained well last week and will be considered by selectors ahead of the game against the Blues.

Playing in the midfield, Sam Mayes was an absolute standout in Saturday’s SANFL Showdown, finishing with a game-high 34 disposals and eleven clearances.

He was everywhere, trying to get his side over the line before it fell just short, also tallying four tackles, four marks and seven inside 50s.

Mayes played five straight games in the AFL including his most recent as an unused medical substitute in the Round 19 win over Collingwood.

After going without a game for three weeks because of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Australia, experienced key defender Tom Clurey also put in a strong showing in the SANFL to again show he is ready to return to the AFL line-up if required.

Clurey had eleven disposals and seven marks alongside fellow backmen Joel Garner (18 disposals, eight marks, 2.1 when he went forward late) and Jarrod Lienert (19 disposals, five marks, 1.0), who were also solid in the disappointing loss to the Crows reserves.

Another to impress was second-year forward Dylan Williams who was busy floating up to the wing at times. He booted 4.1 from 15 disposals and had five marks.

Tall forward Todd Marshall was the unused medical substitute in the AFL win over Adelaide and forwards coach Nathan Bassett hinted on Monday that the 22-year-old, who has booted 20 goals this season, could find himself back into the starting 22 for the game against the Blues.

Port Adelaide will name its side to face Carlton on Thursday evening.