Port Adelaide have dropped club leader Tom Jonas and put fellow backman Alipate Carlile out for a spell because of a sore back.
The Power have made five changes, four of them unforced, for Thursday night’s must-win game against Collingwood at Adelaide Oval.
They also axed Nathan Krakouer, Andrew Moore and Sam Colquhoun.
Jackson Trengove, Cam O’Shea, Tom Clurey, Jake Neade and Karl Amon will take their places. Collingwood are unchanged.
Port coach Ken Hinkley said Port’s predicament – 12th spot with five wins, eight losses – demanded action at the selection table.
“We have to make some more changes,” Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday before the teams were announced.
“Tommy Jonas won’t play. He’s part of our leadership group and been a significant member of our football club.
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“I trust Tommy with everything I have got. Unfortunately his form has not been well.
“Bobby Carlile has been struggling physically, he’s not going to play.
“There will be other changes … and we have to do that to try and create some form.”
The Power host fifth-placed Collingwood, who won respect but lost their past two outings against Hawthorn and Fremantle.
Hinkley said Trengove, who is back from injury, and four-gamer Clurey will take the roles of Jonas and Carlile in defence.
“There is great upside in the disappointment of other players, we get a chance to see some other boys continue to improve,” he said.
“But it’s not one player. It’s the collective. The whole 22 are going to be needed.”
Asked if Port’s season was on the line against the Magpies, Hinkley replied: “It has been at that stage for a while.
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“We are challenged each week and we have to continue to look to respond.
“And that is our challenge again on Thursday night. Look to respond and get some of our football back to where we need it to be.”
MATCH PREVIEW
Port Adelaide v Collingwood at Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm
Head to Head: Power 11 Magpies 14
Last clash: Round 19 2014 – Magpies 11.10 (76) bt Power 10.10 (70) at MCG
Tab Sportsbet: Power $1.90 Magpies $1.90
William Hill: Power $1.91 Magpies $1.91
The question this season has gone from “can Port win the flag?” to “can Port make the finals?”. The Power are 12th with a 5-8 record and are on a three-game losing streak. And now, they’re grieving after the murder of their former assistant coach Phil Walsh. While the Magpies are coming off tight losses to Fremantle and Hawthorn, they are one of the season’s big improvers and despite the bookies’ odds, surely start favourites. Port have made five changes, losing Alipate Carlile and dropping Tom Jonas, while Jackson Trengove is back.
Key: Goalkicking. Collingwood kicked a wasteful 2.9 in the second term last week on the way to a 10-point loss to the Hawks. Given the emotion surrounding this match, and Port’s desperation for a win, they will again pay dearly for a repeat of that wastefulness. Over to you, Travis Cloke and Alex Fasolo.
Tip: Magpies by 20 points
