Port Adelaide dumped two of theirs. And Richmond is uncertain about their main one.

The status of ruckmen at both clubs remains clouded on the eve of Saturday’s pivotal AFL clash at AAMI Stadium.

Richmond aren’t 100 per cent sure their lead ruckman Ivan Maric will overcome an ankle injury in time to play the Power.

Maric’s fate will be determined by how he recovers after a light training session in Adelaide on Friday.

Richmond assistant coach Brendan Lade said Maric, “at this stage”, was playing.

Maric’s fitness is crucial for the Tigers, unable to consider his ruck partner Tyrone Vickery who was concussed last weekend.

But rather than exploit Richmond’s possible ruck weakness, Port dropped their two rucks who played in last week’s loss to North Melbourne.

The Power omitted Matthew Lobbe and Brent Renouf, summoning Jarrad Redden for his first game since round two – moves which surprised Richmond.

“It was a bit strange when I saw the sides but obviously they have got a plan they are going in with,” Lade said.

Lade expected Port’s Redden to be supported in ruck by Justin Westhoff, while Richmond will rely on Orren Stephenson to assist Maric – should he play.

If Maric withdraws, Stephenson will shoulder the bulk of the ruck duties in his first senior game for Richmond, with Luke McGuane providing some support.

The Tigers, seeking to end a three-game losing streak, also must cover the absence of captain Trent Cotchin who has been sidelined by a knee injury.

“Obviously the captain of anyone’s club is a big loss,” Lade said.

“But we have got some people coming in, in (Shane) Tuck and (Nathan) Foley, who we think can fill that void … and we have have got some other great leaders in our side.

“Cotchin is very hard to replace but if everyone picks up five or 10 per cent, they can cover for him.”

Richmond backman Troy Chaplin will play against his former Port teammates for the first time since ending his 140-game career at Alberton.

“You will always be a bit nervous coming up against your old mates who you played seven, eight years with,” Lade said.

“I’m sure there will be some banter between the Port and Richmond players but that is all part of it.”