Port Adelaide have received a double boost for Sunday's must-win AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs in the form of All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder and key defender Tom Jonas ahead of its clash in Ballarat.
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Getting the stars back from injury ahead of schedule is desperately needed as the Power look to rebound from consecutive losses that have affected their top four chances.
Power coach Ken Hinkley floated during the week that Ryder (hip) and Jonas (knee) were more likely for the round 20 showdown with the Crows. Small forward Steven Motlop will also make the trip to Ballarat after he was a late withdrawal due to illness for last week's loss against Greater Western Sydney.
The Bulldogs get premiership star Marcus Bontempelli back from appendix surgery but lose Luke Dahlhaus, Billy Gowers (both ankle) and Tom Boyd (back).
Meanwhile, there is also the possibility Mars Stadium will play host to a number of youngsters debut matches.
Western Bulldogs’ Fergus Greene has been named in the forward pocket for what bodes as his AFL debut, while teammate Callum Porter has been named on the extended bench – which will be finalised on Friday night.
While for Port Adelaide, Billy Frampton and Kane Farrell have been named on the eight-man bench and could be inline for their first games at the top level.
Frampton has been touted as Port Adelaide’s answer to its ruck woes prior to the return of Ryder, the 200cm big man putting together some strong form in the South Australian National Football League and raising his hand as the number one back-up to Ryder.
Port Adelaide is still within touch of the top four but a loss to the 14th-placed Western Bulldogs, which have proven dangerous at times, would prove costly given the logjam of sides – which stretches to 12th – vying for a top eight spot.
The match will be played at 3.20pm on Sunday for Bulldogs second home game in Ballarat of the year.
