THE VALUE of past encounters will be put to the test this week with Port Adelaide claiming its pre-season win over the Sydney Swans will aid its fight on Saturday.

Port had the better of the Swans in March, albeit in a practice match, out-competing the reigning premiers and shutting down their 'rebound attack'.

The Power were clearly the tougher, more physical side that day and surprised the Swans with a 30-point win.

Defender Cameron O'Shea said that although it was now a distant memory, the club's victory at the start of autumn gave his teammates great confidence heading into the weekend.

"They were pretty much full strength and so were we and we ended up getting the win that day," O'Shea said.

"We'll probably have a little bit of a look at how we played against them that day and what we did and try and re-enact that this week.

"If they're at the top of their game and we're at the top of ours it should be a pretty good game."

A significant difference this time around will be the inclusion of controversial spearhead Kurt Tippett.

The former Adelaide forward will line up for his first game of the season and first with his new club after crossing from West Lakes late last year.

O'Shea said he expected "a few" Crows fans to buy tickets just to offer Tippett their 'support'.

But he was reluctant to talk up Tippett's possible influence on the match.

"The coaches will check with the match-ups to see who gets him this week, hopefully whoever plays on him can nullify him pretty early," he said.

The Power are also set to benefit from considerable inclusions, with defender Jasper Pittard and midfielder Dom Cassisi both available for selection.

Pittard hasn't played since round four with what was initially expected to be a one-week hip flexor injury,

Former skipper Cassisi has also only played four games this year and has been sidelined since round eight with a hamstring strain.

Captain Travis Boak will be assessed at training after dislocating his finger in the club's win over Greater Western Sydney.

Small forward Cameron Hitchcock (rolled ankle) will also be assessed, as will ruckman Jarrad Redden.

Redden has escaped surgery after injuring his shoulder against the Western Bulldogs in round 10, but sat out last weekend's win.

Power high performance manager Darren Burgess told portadelaidefc.com.au that the 22-year-old would be looked at again this week before a verdict on the rest of his season was made.

"We trained him late last week and will see how he goes at our main session this week before was make any further decisions on him," Burgess said.

Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry