PORT Adelaide star Hamish Hartlett could play again this pre-season, with scans on his groin showing he has escaped serious injury. 

Hartlett was subbed out of last Sunday's NAB Challenge game against West Coast at Norwood Oval having aggravated scar tissue in his groin.

The midfielder pulled up lame after a kick out of defence in the opening term and was sent to ice-up on the bench.

After the game, stand-in coach Matthew Nicks was hopeful that his injury wasn't significant and scans confirmed as much; the 24-year-old could face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on March 21.

The prognosis means Hartlett is no longer in any doubt to line up against Fremantle in round one of the home and away season on April 5.