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PORT Adelaide has been dealt two cruel blows on the eve of the season in its final Marsh Community Series clash, souring its 10-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bennett Oval.

Ruckman Scott Lycett had ice applied to his left ankle during the third term, and then minutes later, behemoth Charlie Dixon was limping around before he was consigned to the bench with ice applied to his left thigh, which the club diagnosed as an adductor issue.

Despite losing a couple of important contributors, the Power showed resilience to reel in a 20-point deficit in the final term.

INJURIES SOUR POWER WIN Full match coverage

Jarrod Lienert's goal with just over a minute left put Port ahead, and he then goaled after the siren as Port Adelaide was victorious, 14.11 (95) to 13.7 (85).

Power coach Ken Hinkley can take some solace in the promising performance of talented tall forward Todd Marshall.

One passage of play saw him fool Western Bulldogs recruit Alex Keath in the third term before sending it long in the direction of Dixon, who duly marked but missed the set shot out on the full.

Marshall ended the contest with two goals from his 11 disposals.

Similarly exciting was draftee Mitch Georgiades, who again showed his intent for the football in the air.

Selected at No.18 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the West Australian's late mark and goal brought the margin back to two points with just under five minutes left.

The loss of Dixon would be especially disappointing after his promising pre-season. He starred with four goals against Brisbane a fortnight ago and was in a similar vein of form against the Dogs, booting 2.3 in his limited time on the ground.

If Dixon or Lycett were to miss time early in the season, it would create chances for Peter Ladhams, ex-Cat Wylie Buzza and promising youngster Sam Hayes, who missed last season as he recovered from a knee reconstruction.

Bulldogs recruit Josh Bruce lined up for the first time for his new side since being traded from the Saints and gave his new team's supporters plenty to look forward to, providing an aerial presence en route to bagging four goals.

Alongside him, Sam Lloyd looks set to continue from his impressive 2019 after booting three goals, showing off his ability to make the most of his opportunities.

Western Bulldog Will Hayes will likely come under scrutiny from Match Review Officer Michael Christian for his sling tackle on Dan Houston in the opening minutes of the clash.

NEW FACES
Port Adelaide: If Dixon is missing come round one, his willingness to crash the pack could be replaced by Mitch Georgiades. The first-round draftee throws his body at the football and showed nerve to convert an important late shot.
Western Bulldogs: After missing the Dogs' opening pre-season clash against North Melbourne with back spasms, Josh Bruce slotted four goals in an outing that would give him confidence ahead of the season. He was No.6 in total contested marks last year and showed those strong hands on Saturday. At the other end of the ground, Alex Keath picked up 17 disposals in a well-rounded display.

WHO'S MISSING?
Port Adelaide: The eventual return of Ollie Wines will fortify Port Adelaide in the midfield. However, he's up to two months away as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Western Bulldogs: Seeing Bruce would have been exciting for Dogs fans, but they will be eagerly anticipating seeing him next to Aaron Naughton, who will be touch-and-go for round one as he looks to overcome a knee issue. Onballer Tom Liberatore (knee) is about a month away and Taylor Duryea's groin issue sees him about six weeks off playing.

FANTASY WATCH
Considering Charlie Dixon managed only nine games in 2019 and picked up an adductor problem on Saturday, Mitch Georgiades at $236,000 would have to be a tempting option. Tim English racked up 120 Fantasy points for the Bulldogs and has been tipped to eventually become one of the premier ruckmen in the competition. It could be worth taking a punt on the $572,000 big man in the hope that this is the season he explodes. 

NEXT UP
The Western Bulldogs will take on powerhouse Collingwood on Friday, March 20 at Marvel Stadium. Then the following night, Port Adelaide will travel up to Metricon Stadium to begin its home and away campaign against Gold Coast.

PORT ADELAIDE         3.3       8.8       9.11     14.11 (95)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.2       6.3       12.7     13.7 (85)

GOALS
Port Adelaide: Lienert 2, Dixon 2, Marshall 2, Jonas, Butters, Westhoff, Farrell, Rozee, Duursma, Hartlett, Georgiades
Western Bulldogs: Bruce 4, Lloyd 3, English 2, Wallis, Young, R.Smith, Dale

BEST
Port Adelaide: Byrne-Jones,  Boak, Burton, Westhoff, Powell-Pepper
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Dunkley, Bruce, Williams, Hunter

INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Lycett (Achilles), Dixon (adductor)
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stephens, Dore, Howorth

Official crowd: 4770 at Bennett Oval, Whyalla