Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley concedes the AFL profession of his captain Tom Jonas has doubtless been ended by a calf damage.
Jonas broken a calf muscle within the final minute of Port’s coaching on Thursday and has been changed by Trent McKenzie for Saturday evening’s qualifying ultimate towards the Brisbane Lions.
Jonas had introduced he’ll retire on the finish of the season and the damage is ready to rule him out of the finals.
“We’ve not bought all the data again but on scans and particulars,” Hinkley advised reporters on Friday at Adelaide Airport.
“But it surely appeared like a major calf damage which is able to put Tom proper behind the eight ball to make some impression afterward.”
McKenzie hasn’t performed since struggling a knee damage on August 5.
“It is wonderful the timing with what occurred with Tom at coaching, so Trent was a major in for us this week,” Hinkley stated.
Ruckman Scott Lycett (knee) and key ahead Todd Marshall (hip) additionally return to the Energy facet after recovering from damage, whereas Hinkley confirmed former skipper Travis Boak would be the substitute after being dropped from the beginning 22.
Brisbane and Port each gained 17 video games within the home-and-away season, with the Lions incomes home-ground benefit due to a better share.
Chris Fagan’s Brisbane facet are unbeaten in a dozen video games on the Gabba this season however Hinkley rejected the underdog tag positioned on Port.
“We do not really feel like we’re an underdog,” he stated.
“We have now certified equal second, folks overlook that we gained 17 video games for the 12 months – that is a mighty effort by any staff.
“We go up there stuffed with confidence and figuring out that {our capability} is one that may problem any staff on this competitors.
“We have now had seven video games away this 12 months that we now have gained.
“These issues (dwelling floor) should not that huge an affect as soon as the sport begins.
“It is the staff who comes out and performs with probably the most composure and tranquility of their recreation that may find yourself on prime.”
Hinkley had little question the Gabba conflict would comply with the method of Collingwood’s gruelling qualifying win over Melbourne on Thursday evening.
“I count on the sport might be a troublesome exhausting recreation like final evening’s and possibly go proper to the wire,” he stated.
“I simply have nice admiration for what (Brisbane) are and who Fages is and the best way he coaches their staff.
“They seem to be a brutally powerful staff who you are going to must play for a full 4 quarters to win.”
