Ken Hinkley has confirmed club great Travis Boak will make his return from a rib injury this weekend as Port Adelaide's tactical sub to face Collingwood.
In a move used by Hinkley in the past, the Power coach hasn't looked to keep his sub plans a secret heading into a new round, having confirmed to media on Friday that Boak will be used in the role for his return.
The 34-year-old has been sidelined with a fractured rib since Port Adelaide's first pre-season hitout against West Coast after a crunching collision with Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern.
Initial signs were positive for Boak, but further assessment showed a fracture in his ribs had appeared, delaying the three-time Showdown Medal winner's return date.
After missing his side's triumphant Round 1 outing against Brisbane at home, Boak will make his return to the field at the MCG on Saturday for what will be a highly-contested clash with the Magpies, who are coming off a strong start to the season themselves after knocking over reigning premiers Geelong by 22 points last week.
While hopeful Boak won't be required in the early stages of his side's clash against Collingwood, Hinkley confirmed the star midfielder could play all four quarters if required.
"Trav hasn't played a lot of football in the last six weeks," Hinkley said. "He'll be the tactical sub tomorrow.
"If we can manage when we put him into the game, we will. But if he needs to go in five minutes in he's ready for that."
Hinkley has swung just the one change for Round 2, with key defender Trent McKenzie replaced by second-year utility Jase Burgoyne following an ankle injury sustained against the Lions.
Round 1 tactical sub Francis Evans was also omitted from the squad, while the player he replaced last week, Orazio Fantasia, has been cleared to play after an interrupted start to his 2023 campaign.
"Orazio is ready for a full game," Hinkley said. "He was in Round 1 as well.
"We were in a position last week where we had the opportunity to manage someone who has been battling injury for the last 12 months and we took that opportunity."
Meanwhile, Adelaide have been forced to bring in fringe forward Lachlan Murphy for their Round 2 clash with Richmond after Shane McAdam's three-game suspension was upheld at the AFL Appeals Board on Thursday.
McAdam will miss his side's upcoming matches against Richmond, Port Adelaide and Fremantle before returning in Round 5 against Carlton.
Murphy comes into Matthew Nicks' starting side for Saturday's matchup with the Tigers, with Chayce Jones joining Jordon Butts,ย Riley Thilthorpe and Ned McHenry as an emergency to be in the mix for sub duties.
The Crows have also confirmed that Wayne Milera won't feature, coming out of the team due to adductor tightness, replaced in the side by Patrick Parnell.
Adelaide will play their first home game of the year when they host Richmond at Adelaide Oval at 4:35pm (AEDT) on Saturday.
