PORT Adelaide will welcome back Peter Ladhams back from suspension for Saturday's clash against Essendon at Adelaide Oval.
Ladhams was banned for three matches for a breach of the AFL's COVID-19 protocols after he entertained visitors at his house following the Power's round 10 win over the Western Bulldogs on August 3. Dan Houston was also suspended for two matches.
"I can't fault the way Peter Ladhams has gone about it since his suspension. He knows the best way to win everyone back is through his gameday performance," coach Ken Hinkley said on Friday morning.
The ruck/forward is one of three inclusions for the clash against the Bombers with veteran Brad Ebert and Riley Bonner also returning. Zak Butters (suspended), Ryan Burton (quad) and Cam Sutcliffe will be the three to make way.
Burton has endured a frustrating season with injuries limiting the 23-year-old to just five games.
But this latest setback isn't too serious and the club is hopeful he will be ready for the first week of the finals.
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"Ryan Burton's quad is a little lower in the leg than previously, which is a great outcome for us. We expect he should be ready by the bye week," Hinkley said.
"We'll go through it step by step and get him fit first
"(Burton's) an explosive player with a lot of power. He's had to deal with injuries since his draft year. We expect once he gets his body right he'll be an excellent player."
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Port will move a step closer to sealing the minor premiership with a win over Essendon, however a slip up could open the door for Brisbane and Geelong to leapfrog the Power.
