Port Adelaide defender Ryan Burton has reportedly been ruled out of Friday's semi-final against Hawthorn with a calf issue.
Burton was limited at the Power's captain's run on Thursday, undergoing fitness tests before a call was made to have the ex-Hawk miss this week's must-win affair.
The setback will force Power coach Ken Hinkley into delving deeper into his defensive stocks, having already lost Daniel Houston (suspension) and Kane Farrell (hamstring) for the rest of the year.
Burton's injury comes after an interrupted year for the 27-year-old, who has been limited to 14 games in 2024 due to a mid-season foot concern.
Ryan Burton OUT of tomorrow nightโs semi-final. Failed test ๐๐ฝ https://t.co/iUP7z7EOtj
— Corey Norris (@coreynorris9) September 12, 2024
Burton returned from the injury in Round 23 after 10 weeks on the sidelines, playing in the Power's past three matches in a more relied-on role due to the losses of Houston and Farrell.
The club have reportedly opted for youngster Josh Sinn to replace Burton at half-back for his first senior outing since Round 16.
The 21-year-old has played just eight AFL matches, but will be thrown into the fire on Saturday, named for a cutthroat semi-final with the season on the line.
A youngster has landed a surprise call-up as @willzfaulk reveals Port Adelaide's changes for tomorrow night's semi-final.
MORE >> https://t.co/sAO2Sk2oY8 pic.twitter.com/KaELZIPniO
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) September 12, 2024
Port Adelaide are coming off an 84-point loss to home to Geelong from last week's qualifying final and could make unforced changes on top of Burton's omission as a result of the poor September showing.
Veteran forward Charlie Dixon was kept to just one effective disposal in the loss to Geelong, while fellow tall Esava Ratugolea also struggled to have an impact as Todd Marshall watched on from the sidelines despite being fit to play.
Marshall was one of three emergencies for the finals opener, placed on standby alongside Dante Visentini and Josh Sinn.
The Power have confirmed star midfielder Zak Butters is available to play after being subbed out of last Thursday's loss at half-time with a rib injury.
Port Adelaide and Hawthorn will name their 23-man squads at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday evening, with final teams to be confirmed an hour prior to Friday's 7:40pm bounce.
