Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says star recruit Jason Horne-Francis isn’t any assure to return for subsequent week’s top-of-the-table conflict with Collingwood at Adelaide Oval.
Horne-Francis is one among seven outs for Saturday’s AFL conflict with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
Veteran ahead Charlie Dixon was dominated out with a rolled ankle, whereas defender Trent McKenzie has additionally been sidelined with an ankle harm.
Junior Rioli was given permission to overlook the match in order that he may journey to the Tiwi Islands to be along with his household to mark the one-year anniversary of his father’s passing.
Ryan Burton, Sam Hayes and final week’s sub Quinton Narkle had been all omitted, however Burton and Hayes are an opportunity to be the sub towards Carlton.
Horne-Francis, the 2021 No.1 draft decide who left North Melbourne after only one season, has performed each match for Port this 12 months.
But his output has notably waned over the previous month, with the 20-year-old failing to tally greater than 13 disposals in a match throughout that stretch.
Port Adelaide tackle Collingwood in a blockbuster conflict subsequent week, however Horne-Francis isn’t any assure to function.
“His back has been causing him a little bit of grief over the last three or four weeks,” Hinkley advised reporters on Friday.
“It got to a point where we just needed to give him a rest. If that’s one or two (weeks), that’s what it will be.”
Hinkley is assured Dixon will miss just one week.
McKenzie’s harm has opened the door for captain Tom Jonas to earn a recall for the primary time since spherical 10.
“It’s great for Tom to be back in the team. He’s had to work really hard,” Hinkley mentioned.
“I’m sure he’ll come in and lead the boys the way he’s done off the field.”
Ruckman Scott Lycett returns after recovering from a knee harm.
Winger Xavier Duursma was known as up for his first recreation since struggling a PCL tear within the round-seven win over St Kilda.
Port Adelaide are driving a club-record 13-match profitable streak and Hinkley would not subscribe to the idea a loss earlier than the finals can be a great factor.
“Never prepared to lose a game,” Hinkley mentioned.
“I don’t consider that as an option in any game. I don’t want to sit back and reflect, ‘oh, we needed to lose that game’. That won’t be the way I view it.
“We wish to proceed to win. I do not see any guidelines that say it’s a must to lose.
“We’re not looking for anything other than our best performance.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
