PORT Adelaide has dumped Tom Rockliff ahead of this week's clash with Greater Western Sydney, with coach Ken Hinkley describing the form of the experienced midfielder as "not at the level it needs to be" in recent weeks.
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Rockliff was kept to just 14 disposals in last week's loss to Brisbane, his lowest output in more than two years, with the Power opting to axe the tough midfielder as they look to return to winning ways at Metricon Stadium on Sunday..
Promising young defender Riley Bonner is also facing the chopping block, with the pair set to make way for Ryan Burton's return from a sprained knee and a recall for mature-age rookie Cam Sutcliffe.
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"Tom hasn't been selected on form," Hinkley said.
"We've made a change and we've basically changed up in that area of the ground. That's one of the consequences of that.
"No one is immune from selection issues. If your form is not up to it, you can lose your spot in the side. Whether that's Tom or Ollie (Wines), they're the rules.
"We made a decision based on Tom's form over the last two or three weeks. He's just been not quite at the level we need him.
"He's a stoppage player for us and he needs to influence the game for us around the ball. Certainly, last week we were beaten up badly around the ball. Tom was only one part of that, but he's aware his form is not at the level it needs to be in the position he plays."
