Port Adelaide have made three changes to the side set to face the Bulldogs on Saturday, losing 316 games experience through injury to Dom Cassisi, Hamish Hartlett and Jarman Impey.
Senior Coach Ken Hinkley said the club was taking a no risk policy with their injured players and were not merely resting the players against the Bulldogs.
“We’ve said all year that we’re not going to take risks and if we have players in risk categories — and that’s where Jarman, Dom and Hamish fall,” Hinkley said.
“If they fall in that bracket we’re not going to take that risk.”
Port Adelaide have named Tom Logan, Jared Polec and Sam Gray as their replacements ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Mindful of the Bulldogs history over Port, Hinkley said he would not underestimate Brendan McCartney’s men.
While Port Adelaide currently sit on top of the ladder, the Bulldogs showed they could push the top sides in the competition, overcoming Collingwood last week in an eight point upset win.
“Last week was a great reminder for us what they’re capable of and knowing ‘Macca’ well I know he’ll have them ready to play,” Hinkley said.
“It will be a significant challenge.
“Their recent history against us is really strong. So we need to make sure we can turn that around.”
Ryan Griffen was the standout performer the last time the two teams met while former captain Matthew Boyd has averaged almost 37 disposals in his past two meetings with Port Adelaide.
