The Power are facing another setback ahead of the 2025 season with key backman Esava Ratugolea requiring help off the field at a training session on Monday.

Ratugolea, who played 23 games for Port Adelaide in his debut season at the club last year, was seen clutching at his left knee moments after completing some jogging at the Power's Alberton training facilities and was immediately sent for scans.

The Alberton club revealed that the former Cat had "pinched his medial meniscus", with a return to play timeline to become clear once he sees the specialist in the coming days.

Ratugolea joins Port Adelaide's growing list of health concerns this pre-season, which includes fellow defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, who suffered an acute lumbar disc injury at training last Wednesday, and star forward Todd Marshall, who ruptured his Achilles in January.

Zerk-Thatcher is expected to miss Port Adelaide's pre-season games and season opener while Marshall will likely miss the entirety of the 2025 season.

Positively, Sam Powell-Pepper is on the cusp of returning from an ACL injury he sustained last year, aiming to return for the Power's match simulation against Adelaide on Friday, February 21.

Ratugolea cemented himself as a key member of Port Adelaide's structure in 2024, featuring in every match from Round 20 onwards, including all three finals. He hit career-best figures in the black and teal, taking 107 marks and averaging 9.6 disposals per game in 2024.

His ability to swing forward was also beneficial for the Power at times last season, with his leap and pack-marking ability making him a dangerous aerial threat. Ratugolea kicked 4.7 in 2024, two of those goals coming against Carlton in Round 20, where his move down forward led Port Adelaide's fourth-quarter comeback.

Port Adelaide will play a pre-season match against St Kilda on Saturday, March 1 at RSEA Park before opening their season in Round 1 against Collingwood at the MCG.