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Power injuries a concern for AFL Showdown

3 minute read

Despite an impressive 47-point win over Gold Coast in their AFL season opener, Port Adelaide will head back to South Australia nursing some key injuries.

HAMISH HARTLETT
HAMISH HARTLETT Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Port Adelaide duo Brad Ebert and Hamish Hartlett will have to overcome injury if they are to take part in next weekend's Showdown against Adelaide.

The veteran pair suffered setbacks in the third quarter of Saturday's impressive 47-point AFL round-one win over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Ebert hurt his right knee and spent most of the third-quarter break having it worked on by medical staff before playing out the match.

Hartlett, meanwhile, wasn't seen after he left the field with a quad injury midway through the third term.

Power coach Ken Hinkley said both players were in doubt to face the Crows at the Adelaide Oval next Saturday.

"Brad hurt his knee. He went back out there, though," Hinkley said.

"He'll be assessed through the week. We'll take no chances if he's not right, it's a long season.

"Hammer, it looks like he got a bit of a quad so he'll probably more likely miss than play."

There was better news for midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper, who also spent time off the field in the third quarter after copping a hard hit to his shoulder by Suns' debutant Matthew Rowell.

Hinkley said the discomfort was nothing more than a stinger and the 22-year-old should be right to play next weekend.

Power captain Tom Jonas said the thought of facing the Crows in an empty stadium due to coronavirus-related restrictions was a strange situation.

"It'll be a little bit different," Jonas said before praising his team's ability to maintain their intensity despite the lack of fans against the Suns.

"I said to the boys before the game that we train three times a week with no-one around so whilst we love our supporters and they make a fair racket ... when you're out there standing next to someone you want to beat him regardless of how many people are watching.

"I thought we adopted that attitude really well."

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