Port Adelaide will be without Orazio Fantasia for yet another week, with the 26-year-old prevented from making his return to the AFL due to a hip flexor issue.
The former Bomber is yet to play a game for Port so far this season after dealing with ongoing knee injuries, before being sidelined over the past month with a strained thigh muscle.
Fantasia played for Port Adelaide in the SANFL last round and was named on the extended bench in the senior side to take on Fremantle this weekend, but was spotted walking laps at training and has been ruled out of a return.
Port Adelaide General Manager Chris Davies addressed media on Friday, confirming Fantasia wouldn't be making the trip.
"Orazio Fantasia won’t come with us to Perth. He pulled up a little bit sore on Wednesday unfortunately right at the end of training. We’ve assessed him over the last 36 hours but will keep him out this week," Davies said.
"Raz is doing as much as he possibly can. He’s frustrated but the positive thing is his knee isn’t the issue. He’s now having some soft tissue trouble which is coming mainly from his lack of conditioning so we’re going to have to keep working on what it looks like."
In good news for the Power, the club is expected to welcome back some key names for the trip to Perth, with Robbie Gray and Darcy Byrne-Jones back in the selection mix.
Gray has been managing a knee injury and has been sidelined for the last two weeks, while Byrne-Jones is set to exit health and safety protocols in time for the match.
"Darcy Byrne-Jones comes back in for Riley Bonner. We’re fortunate however in that Riley should only be a couple weeks," Davies said.
"Robbie Gray will play so he’s another one coming in for us."
Jase Burgoyne is also in line for a debut after being named on the extended bench and training with the senior group.
The 18-year-old son of Peter Burgoyne was selected with pick 60 in the 2021 AFL draft and has been impressive across his ten matches in the SANFL playing in the defensive half.
"From our perspective we’re pleased that Jase Burgoyne will get a spot this week. It’s a really good story for the club and we’re really pleased with him. He’s been fantastic (in the SANFL)," Davies said.
"Jase has been one who’s always been able to rise at the level he’s playing, from U18s to state league, to the point he’s at now. We’re confident he’s in a position to be in our AFL team. We’re rapt to see him progress."
