Port Adelaide are tipped to summon co-captain Ollie Wines and spearhead Charlie Dixon for Saturday night’s acid test against AFL leaders Geelong.
Wines and Dixon have both found form in consecutive games in state league ranks as they return from injuries.
Dixon hasn’t played an AFL game since breaking a leg in August last year while Wines has been sidelined since round seven because of a fractured ankle.
Utility Brad Ebert returned in the state league last weekend after battling ongoing concussion symptoms.
“They were all pretty strong,” Port assistant coach Michael Voss told SEN radio on Monday.
“It’s going to be a good conversation in the match committee selection, that’s for sure; they are all certainly putting their hand up.”
Dixon, who has kicked eight goals in his two state league games, would bolster an attack featuring Paddy Ryder, who has kicked a dozen goals in his 12 AFL games this year.
All Australian ruckman Ryder was still adjusting to a near-permanent role in the forward line as recruit Scott Lycett carries much of the rucking duties.
Ryder hasn’t gathered 10 disposals in any of his past five games.
“I don’t think he’s certainly ever going to be a high possession winner,” Voss said of Ryder.
“He’s making some adjustments to his game based on that he’s playing in a different part of the ground — he has been an All Australian ruckman and we’re asking him to play forward.”
Port host pacesetters Geelong at Adelaide Oval.