Port Adelaide Power

Hinkley provides selection latest with key forward ruled out of Carlton clash

“With the short breaks we’ve just run out of time a little bit.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Port Adelaide won't have key forward Todd Marshall for Friday's clash with Carlton due to an ongoing hip issue.

Marshall missed last week's in over Richmond due to the ailment sustained the round prior, with the Power tall required to pass fitness tests this week to be cleared.

A short turnaround to Round 20 has played a part in Marshall falling short of a return against the Blues, with coach Ken Hinkley confirming the 25-year-old won't feature.

Hinkley wasn't as open to discussing the availabilities of others though, with Kane Farrell (hamstring) and Lachie Jones (concussion) also listed as tests.

"We can't pick Todd," Hinkley told media on Thursday.

"He's nearly ready and he'll definitely play next week. With the short breaks, we've just run out of time a little bit.

"We've got a couple of players who are coming back. We've got to get through today and see where they're at."

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Todd Marshall of the Power controls the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 17 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on July 05, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Veteran forward Charlie Dixon thrived in the absence of Marshall and Jeremy Finlayson alongside Mitch Georgiades and Ollie Lord against Richmond, booting four goals from 12 disposals and six marks.

Having dealt with setbacks and niggles throughout his career, Hinkley was glad to see his senior attacker's body respond well to the win.

"He's pulled up pretty well," the Power coach added.

"He's in good shape, he's in good spirits. He's obviously got his confidence back, which is really important to us.

"He's such a focal point for us still and the team knows he's going to bring great effort."

Port Adelaide venture to Marvel Stadium on Friday night to face Carlton, with a win over the Blues able to propel them to as high as second place on the ladder by the end of the week.

2024-07-26T09:40:00Z
Marvel Stadium
CARL
65
FT
79
PORT
Published by
Mitch Keating