Powering up
PORT Adelaide have identified Collingwood as the ultimate measuring stick as the Power players chase the title of “Friday Night Kings” by winning their third Friday fixture in a row at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium tonight.
Power coach Ken Hinkley has a settled side – only 25 players have been used this season – and will not jump at shadows if players such as Jordan De Goey play in a slightly different position.
But he is aware of the potential of the Magpies to turn the game quickly with a few tactical moves and has warned his players to be alert in what he called one of the game’s greatest challenges.
“I think the biggest thing we’ve identified is that we’re playing one of the real in-form teams in the competition,” Hinkley said.
“And they’ve got absolute talent on every line.
“They’ve got an incredibly strong list and we get an opportunity to take on one of the benchmarks of the competition and measure ourselves a little bit and see how we go.
“We look forward to embracing that opportunity and can’t wait to get over there.
Key forward Charlie Dixon has started running on grass and going through boxing sessions, but Hinkley said it was still too early to make a call on his return.
Port Adelaide has recalled Karl Amon to replace the injured Robbie Gray.
Amon narrowly edged out fellow in-form player Steven Motlop, who has also been in fine form in the SANFL and will travel with the team as an emergency.
Gray will miss the next three to four weeks after breaking his hand and having surgery last weekend.