Bock hasn’t played for the Crows since injuring his groin at training last month, but starred in his SANFL comeback with Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday.
Forward Chris Knights also impressed for the Eagles in his second game back from a serious foot injury, but Goodwin said it would be tough for both players to slot back into the team that beat Geelong by 11 points last Friday night.
“The kids have been doing fantastic jobs for us. Ricky Henderson, Matty Jaensch and Phil Davis have all been in fantastic form,” Goodwin said on Tuesday.
“We have got some experienced guys available and it’s going to be tough at selection, but we’re talking about quality players in Nathan Bock, Chris Knights and also Jason Porplyzia.
“It’s really competitive for spots ... but we all know ‘Bocky’ is a class player. He’s an All-Australian and he’s had three weeks now where he’s had a lot of training and played a game, so there’s no doubt he’s ready to go.”
Goodwin, who has already declared this season will be his last, will line up in his final showdown on Sunday afternoon.
Power veteran Josh Carr will also play his last showdown, after announcing his retirement effective after the club’s twilight fixture against Adelaide.
The Crows were inspired to victory in long-serving midfielder Tyson Edwards’ farewell game against Fremantle in round 11, but Goodwin said he doubted Carr’s retirement would add any more emotion to the spirited showdown contest.
“All teams play with a bit of emotion in showdowns and that’ll be no different for either side this week,” Goodwin said.
“I don’t think it’ll matter greatly that it’s Josh Carr’s last game. We’re looking forward to playing in it and I’m sure Josh is too. I always treasure playing in showdown games and hopefully I have a memorable last one.”
Showdown XXIX is a Port Adelaide ‘home’ game, which has prompted some Crows fans to turn their backs on buying tickets, so as not to support their cross-town rivals.
The Power are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak, but have claimed three of the last four showdowns and Goodwin encouraged fans to get along and see what promises to be another good contest.
“Come the showdown it doesn’t really matter where you are on the ladder or how you’re playing. It’s just a real contest and a finals-like game,” he said.
“Our fans are fantastic footy supporters and will come along to any game. We hope we get a big crowd there…because I think they saw and we saw what an impact they had on us [against Geelong] on Friday night.”
