Port Adelaide's defensive setup to start season 2025 will look vastly different but the potential inclusion of one of their utilities has "surprised" most.
Forward-ruck option Jeremy Finlayson was seen training in the backline amid the club's injury woes that will see Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Esava Ratugolea miss the coming month and potentially early stages of the upcoming campaign.
In an unfortunate strike to the Power, Zerk-Thatcher suffered an acute lumbar disc injury at training and with no clear timeline on when he'll be available for selection.
Not long after, Ratugolea was helped from the ground after he was seen clutching his knee, resulting in a pinched medial meniscus.
As it stands, Aliir Aliir remains the only regular key backman available, while utility Finlayson has been flagged as a potential short-term replacement for the injured pair.
"It's going to be a challenge," midfielder Willen Drew admitted on Monday after the launch of the club's Power Up program.
"In the past, we've been able to adapt and players step up, which is great, but I'm not too sure how we're going to look down there at the moment.
"I did notice he (Finlayson) went back which was a surprise.
"He can play anywhere. He's played in the ruck in the pre-season as a chop out and great down forward, and if we need him down back, I'm sure he'll be happy to play there."
The Power could also deploy star recruit Jack Lukosius in defence given the desperate need to add height in the back half.
The move could be supplemented by the likely return of Ollie Lord to the mix, who missed the majority of the 2024 season due to injury.
As for Drew himself, he was one of few Power players who was marred by a pre-season injury, dealing with the injury-of-the-summer plantar fasciitis.
The midfielder returned to full training on Monday and has said he is keen to put his hand up for Friday's match simulation against cross-town rivals Adelaide at Mt Barker Summit Sport and Recreation Park.
"Foot's feeling good," Drew declared.
"I had a little plantar fasciitis release there so was out for a couple of weeks, but I did a full session today (Monday) and really excited to get back into training.
"At this stage, I'm hoping to," he continued.
"There's still going to be some awareness there. Speaking with the physios and the medical staff, that is to be expected and I'm feeling good.
"It'll be good to have a hit-out against the Crows."
The Power could also unveil its likely pre-season supplemental (SSP) signing Josh Lai, with reports indicating the club has opted to retain the 19-year-old.
Lai is said to have edged out North Melbourne VFL star Jack Watkins for the sole spot at Alberton after heading over to South Australia late last year.
