PORT Adelaide expects father-to-be Brad Ebert to take his place in the side to face the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday.

Ebert's wife Rebecca is due to give birth to the couple's first child early next month.

"We told him to wait to Monday, but it's not Brad we have to talk to, is it?," Power coach Ken Hinkley said on Friday.

"From Brad's point of view and the family, it will be what it will be, but we think Brad is going to be OK."

Ebert has been in outstanding form for the Power this season, spending more time in the middle of the ground.

He travelled with the team on Friday morning, along with emergencies Aidyn Johnson and Jesse Palmer.

Johnson was unlucky to be squeezed out of the side after booting two goals on debut in last weekend's 90-point win against Carlton.

"Absolutely he is (disappointed)," Hinkley said.

"First game at Adelaide Oval, Anzac (Round) game, 43,000 people and kicked two goals.

"AJ's game last week was really exciting for us and it's a great sign for the future, but he understands there's not enough spots in the side.

"He's in a great position when an opportunity comes."

Johnson misses out to make way for the return of half-back flanker Hamish Hartlett, who was a late scratching last week with a quad injury.

Key defender Jack Hombsch is also back in the side for the first time since injuring his hamstring in the round two win against Fremantle.

"Having Jack back certainly gives us a bit more freedom and gives us a bit more height down back," Hinkley said.

"We've found it a little bit difficult at times in the past two or three weeks.

"The group as a back six or seven have done a great job, but having our key defender back in the side does help."

With Hartlett and Hombsch back on deck, the only player on the Power's injury list is captain Travis Boak, who is expected to miss only one week.

"We were extra cautious with him," Hinkley said.

"He had some awareness in the hamstring and it'd be silly to take the risk."

The Power (3-2) have started the season impressively, but Hinkley isn't writing off a Lions team that has shown promising signs this year under new coach Chris Fagan.

"They're a young team being coached really well at the moment and they've got excitement back at their footy club and they've got some belief," Hinkley said.

"That comes pretty quickly and becomes dangerous for any team.

"The competition shows us week in and week out it's dangerous to go anywhere and not respect the opposition."