In a week set aside to celebrate the influence and contribution of indigenous players in the AFL, Neade's omission will disappoint fans of both sides.
He has emerged as one of the most exciting young players to watch in 2013 and his trademark flair, speed and enthusiastic celebrations have made him a clear crowd favourite.
But indigenous teammate Chad Wingard said Neade's break would benefit him in the long run.
Wingard played 19 games last season, his first in the AFL, but said he only managed so many after coach Matthew Primus used him as a sub on multiple occasions.
"I know how hard it is as a first-year player; I was lucky enough to get the sub a few times and that helped me get through the whole season.
"This break will help [Neade] in his development for the rest of the season."
Wingard said the Power would carry no fear into Saturday's contest.
Port hasn't beaten Geelong since Dom Cassisi's match-winning goal in round 21, 2007, with the Cats' 119-point win a few weeks later in the Grand Final the first of seven consecutive victories.
While Wingard admitted his side's opening terms needed improvement, he said that at home the Power were capable of anything.
"Our first 10 minutes have normally been pretty good, but it's the second half of our first quarters which we need to concentrate on," he said.
"It's a bit of structure and we'll try and keep on top of that.
"They've been a tough opponent for several years now and they'll be very tough again, but at our home deck we believe we can beat anyone."
After three consecutive losses, the 19-year-old said a win was urgently needed this weekend, but he insisted the morale of the group remained high.
"Our time will come … it will turn around; we're just waiting for that barrel to start rolling," he said.
Wingard, who will wear a hand-painted pair of boots against the Cats, said AFL Indigenous Round was a special week for everyone involved in the game.
Port Adelaide has a rich tradition of indigenous players since it entered the AFL in 1997.
Gavin Wanganeen, Peter and Shaun Burgoyne and Byron Pickett are past indigenous players at the Power who Wingard said had paved the way for his own career.
"It's a massive inspiration to have those guys beforehand.
"I supposed they led the path for me to be able to play right now.
"Indigenous round … it's for our families, it's for our communities; it's not just for us - it's for everyone involved.
"Play for them and play for the guys, our elders and everything."
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
