Rising Port Adelaide defender Lachlan Jones will spend the next month on the sidelines after scans revealed a fracture in the 21-year-old's jaw.
The setback will be made all the more frustrating for the former NGA Academy selection after Jones hit his straps during Port's Friday night win over the Western Bulldogs, racking up a career-high 19 disposals.
Speaking on Monday, Power assistant Josh Carr claimed Jones' would spend the next four weeks recovering from the injury.
"It was probably his best game for the club ... playing a really important role for us and being confident in that role," Carr was quoted by AFL Media.
"So it's disappointing to lose him."
Though Jones will be forced to cool his heels, Ken Hinkley will have adept replacements in Ryan Burton and Riley Bonner ready for next Thursday's heavyweight clash against the Cats, with both missing the win over the Dogs at Marvel Stadium.
The reinjection of rested talent will be weolcomed by selectors at Alberton, with the Cats' clash acting as Port's third fixture in 13 days.
Hinklley's side is currently on a club-record 10-game winning streak, having failed to taste defeat since their narrow loss to bitter rivals Adelaide during the Round 3 Showdown.
Port will enjoy the bye following next week's date with Geelong before backing up to do battle with Essendon (MCG), Gold Coast (Adelaide Oval), Carlton (Marvel Stadium) and Collingwood (Adelaide Oval) in the month to follow.
