Ryder, Jonas return for Port’s Bulldogs clash

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.

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 Gower (both ankle) and Tom Boyd (back). Collingwood have recalled versatile tall Darcy Moore for Saturday’s MCG blockbuster with Richmond as ace forward Jordan De Goey misses with a leg injury.

Small forward Jamie Elliott will spend at least another week in the VFL as he battles to play his first AFL game of the season.

Hawthorn losing defender Daniel Howe to a season-ending suspension has been offset by veteran Shaun Burgoyne’s return from a fourgame injury layoff. Burgoyne and Jaeger O’Meara, who missed last week’s win against Carlton, headline the Hawks’ inclusions for the Sunday trip to Fremantle.

The Dockers are being cautious with veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands but have brought Stephen Hill, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Ballantyne into their squad.