Port Adelaide midfielder Zak Butters could be in doubt for Thursday's qualifying final against Geelong with reports he is dealing with an eye infection.
Butters was supposed to front the media on Monday but, as a result of the infection, was replaced by his captain, Connor Rozee.
According toย Channel 9'sย Corey Norris, the club is confident that the 23-year-old will line up for the final, but will be a close watch.
Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters is dealing with an eye infection.
Club adamant heโll be fine for Thursday nightโs final.
Heโs pulled out of todayโs media conference, replaced by Connor Rozee.@9NewsAdel @FootyonNine
— Corey Norris (@coreynorris9) September 2, 2024
It comes as Butters - along with suspended teammate Dan Houston - received their second All-Australian honours late last week.
The tough-nut midfielder was also recognised for his bravery, named the AFLPA's Most Courageous player in 2024.
In place of Butters, Rozee quickly dismissed any concern over his teammate's availability for Thursday's clash at Adelaide Oval.
"I actually haven't spoken to him directly but from all reports I think he's fine, I'm sure he's sure he's going to be fine for this week," Rozee said of Butters.
With selection calls looming as the club prepares for its main training session on Monday before a captain's run on Wednesday, Power coach Ken Hinkley will have his hands full in replacing Houston as well as the injured Kane Farrell, who hurt his hamstring in the final round of the season.
Darcy Byrne-Jones has been deployed down back while Ryan Burton's versatility can be used at either end to help fill the void.
Hinkley will likely welcome back Charlie Dixon, who missed the Fremantle clash with illness while Quinton Narkle was omitted and could be considered.
Key forward Todd Marshall will also be pressing his case as he recovers from concussion.
Marshall missed the last two home and away games.
"Todd is pretty keen to have a crack this week at training and to see how it feels," Rozee said.
"And I'm sure if he's fresh and feeling good to go, then he'll put his name in the mix."
