Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams has shrugged off doubt over Shaun Burgoyne's fitness to play Essendon by suggesting him as a possible star-on-star match-up for James Hird.
Burgoyne has struggled for form so far this season, his lack of spark coinciding with his team's fall from and top billing on the AFL ladder with a 6-1 record to four straight losses and a placing of 10th prior to the halfway mark of the season.
Battling an assortment of knocks accrued during last week's defeat to Carlton, Burgoyne appeared only briefly, but Williams said the time between final training and the Sunday twilight fixture would see him fighting fit for the opening bounce.
"He was a little sore after playing last week. We're playing on Sunday night so he's got plenty of time to get ready. He trained Wednesday and just a short period (on Friday), so he'll be no problem," Williams said.
"I'm not sure whether (Hird) plays in the backline or onball, but him and Shaun Burgoyne together would be good, wouldn't it?"
The game will be a big day for the Power, being the occasion of captain Warren Tredrea's 200th AFL game, making him the first Port Adelaide player to reach that milestone.
Tredrea's own lack of form or agility has been big news this week, but Williams was more concerned that his skipper needed to shake off a cold that had been causing midweek discomfort.
Port meanwhile is set to hand highly-rated draftee Travis Boak his first AFL jumper following a strong run of form with Glenelg.
Drafted at selection no. 5 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Williams said Boak would be the first player since Josh Carr to go from draftee to SANFL reserves, to seniors and then AFL within half a season.
"We're really excited about him playing and he's one of our lowest draft picks ever. To get him into the side prior to the break is good for him and us," Williams said.
"He had a slow start to the season. He played a couple of games in the reserves at Glenelg and came through. The last guy to do that was Josh Carr, so we hope he has as wonderful a career as Josh had."
