Port Adelaide has suffered a double blow ahead of Friday's Showdown, with talismanic forward Robbie Gray placed under the AFL's health and safety protocols, while Charlie Dixon's recovery from an ankle injury has been marred by a setback.
Gray, a five-time Showdown medallist, was to be assessed ahead of Friday night's clash with Adelaide after a knee issue ruled him out of Port's grim defeat at the hands of Hawthorn.
The 34-year-old veteran is expected to return to training ahead of Port Adelaide's Round 4 contest with Melbourne next Thursday night.
Dixon meanwhile will miss another month of football after a fresh ankle problem occurred at training, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The forward had been nearing a return after ankle surgery in February but complained of ankle soreness.
Follow-up imagery showed bone bruising, but Port Adelaide have explained there was "no concern around the area he had surgery".
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Speaking to media on Thursday, Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley also confirmed spearhead Jeremy Finlayson will miss this week's Showdown.
Dixon and Gray will join Orazio Fantasia, Aliir Aliir, Tom Clurey, and Kane Farrell on a steadily growing injury list, while Trent McKenzie's fitness is being sweated on.
Dixon's extended absence may give rise to ruckman Sam Hayes, who remains without a debut despite having been on the list since the 2017 National Draft.
Port Adelaide's season has begun poorly, with losses to Brisbane and Hawthorn adding pressure to last year's preliminary finalists.
Currently winless, the Power has a tough few weeks ahead, with the in-form Demons waiting in Round 4 before a clash with a resurgent Carlton at the MCG in Round 5.
