Port trio to share ruck role against Cats
Dougal Howard, Justin Westhoff and Charlie Dixon will share the load in the ruck for Port Adelaide in their AFL clash with Geelong, coach Ken Hinkley says.
The Power will be without injured big man Paddy Ryder for the fourth-straight game, with Hinkley again calling on the trio after they rotated through the position in last week’s 22-point loss to Essendon.
Hinkley said all three have been preparing to play ruck during the week, but would not confirm who will start the game in the role on Saturday night.
Port Adelaide will continue to be without midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper after he ruled himself out of tomorrow’s home clash with Geelong because he feels his focus has been compromised.
Powell-Pepper was banned from last week’s loss to Essendon after breaking team rules.
But with the AFL still investigating Powell-Pepper’s involvement in a nightclub incident involving a woman, the 20-year-old decided to make himself unavailable for selection this week as well.
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That decision was praised by Hinkley today.
“He’s obviously not in the headspace that he probably feels like he needs to be in,” he said.
“It’s caused him some grief and some concern, which it should have, but he’s dealing with it and he’ll handle it.
“That was a really mature decision for Sam and he made a decision based on what’s best for the team.”
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Hinkley said he was sure the AFL would get its investigation completed as soon as possible.
“When we get any information, we’ll share it with everyone.”
Earlier this week, Power chief executive Keith Thomas said he was surprised the AFL hadn’t yet finalised its investigation.
Powell-Pepper’s unavailability is a big blow to the Power, who will be without Tom Rockliff (calf).
Port Adelaide suffered a shock 22-point loss last week to Essendon.
– with AAP
