Port Adelaide star recruit Jack Lukosius will play in the SANFL this weekend in a bid to return from the long-term knee injury he sustained in Round 2.
Lukosius crossed from Gold Coast last year, joining great friend and Power captain Connor Rozee in a mega trade.
However, the deal has yet to reap the rewards, with the former Sun only playing one full game for his new club, which was the heavy loss to Collingwood to open 2025.
Despite a few setbacks, Lukosius will return to football this weekend, marking a positive sign that he can still have an impact for Ken Hinkley's side. However, first, he'll be seen in the reserves.
"Yeah, I think it probably is (because of a lack of) personnel from my point of view, we've got a couple of guys in the Magpies that could put their hand up, and Jack will play some minutes with the Maggies on Saturday, which will be great, so he shouldn't be too far away. But, yeah, we need something in the short term," assistant coach Chad Cornes said.
"But he's had a long time out. His last month has been really positive. So I'm not sure how many minutes he'll play (in the SANFL). It might just be a half.
"So, whether that's enough to come straight back in off, I'm not sure, but it won't be too far away, I wouldn't think. Like we spoke about before, it's been a real issue for us not having that other tall target forward."
In-form defender Miles Bergman has been cleared to play this week against Carlton, while Aliir Aliir "is a good chance to return" on Thursday.
Midfielder Ollie Wines remains a "50-50" shot to take on the Blues.
The Power will open Round 16 on Thursday at Adelaide Oval.