Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas has suffered a suspected calf injury on the eve of his side's finals mission, with the veteran defender set to undergo scans on the issue.
Jonas, who has been expected to make way in Ken Hinkley's side for the Power's Qualifying Final on Saturday against Brisbane, has battled with form throughout the 2023 season despite his post as skipper at Alberton.
The 32-year-old announced this season will be his last in the AFL, with Jonas hoping to have an impact in September in one last chance to help Port Adelaide secure their second AFL premiership.
That dream might've been met with a setback, with Power assistant coach Chad Cornes confirming on Thursday afternoon that Jonas suffered a setback late into the club's main session two days out from their first final.
Speaking onย SEN,ย Cornes said he felt "shattered" for Jonas, who will require scans on the suspected calf injury to better understand the full extent of the injury.
"It was at the end of training. The way he walked off, he looked pretty sore,"
"I think it's a form of a calf injury, he'll get scans later today.
"I'm shattered for him."
CORNES | Update on Tom Jonasโ injury: It was at the end of training... The way he walked off, he looked pretty sore. I think itโs a form of a calf injury, heโll get scans later today. Iโm shattered for him.
— Kymbo and the Rooch (@TheRunHomeSENSA) September 7, 2023
A calf strain, even minor, could sideline Jonas until grand final week, with the Power needing two wins to reach the season decider.
Having booked themselves a top four finish, Port Adelaide will have the chance to secure a home preliminary final if they defeat Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, however they will need to be the first away team to claim a win at the venue this year to do so.
A loss will see the Power face the winner of GWS and St Kilda at Adelaide Oval in week two of the post-season, meaning Hinkley's men will need to take the long route to the grand final.
