PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is making no apologies for constantly chopping and changing at selection in a desperate bid to keep the Power's finals hopes alive.
THREE OUTS FOR POWER All the Round 20 teams
Ruckman Scott Lycett – signed on a five-year deal at the end of last season fresh off winning a premiership with West Coast – is the latest big name to feel the axe ahead of Saturday's crucial encounter with red-hot Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
Swingman Dougal Howard and defender Joel Garner also made way, with rookie-listed ruckman Peter Ladhams, key forward Charlie Dixon and young tall Todd Marshall earning recalls.
Scott Lycett has played all but one game in his first season with the Power. Picture: AFL Photos
The Power have made 26 unforced changes this season – the equal-most in the competition alongside Melbourne, who are second-last on the ladder.
Hinkley wasn't sure if all the changes during the season had a negative impact on the team's cohesion.
"We're making those decisions based on the fact our team hasn't been winning as consistently as we should," Hinkley said.
"If we don't make change, we can be questioned about being happy with where we are.
"We're making change to try and make us more consistent, or are the changes making you inconsistent? But we're basing it on form."
The Power have lost four of their past five games to sit 10th with an 8-10 record, one win outside the top eight.
They also haven't won back-to-back games since rounds five and six.
Lycett was a surprise omission coming off 20 disposals and 22 hit-outs in the Power's one-point loss to Greater Western Sydney last week.
"Scooter's last couple of weeks have been a little bit down on his own performance and what we expect and need from him," Hinkley said.
If we don't make change, we can be questioned about being happy with where we are - Ken Hinkley
"We feel as if he's been working out there pretty manfully and carrying his body around a little bit.
"Scott obviously is disappointed and wouldn't totally agree with our decision, but from our point of view, we think we've given the opportunity to Pete."
The Power will have plenty of tall timber against Essendon, with five players – Ryder (197cm), Marshall (198cm), veteran Justin Westhoff (199cm), Dixon (200cm) and Ladhams (202cm) – at least 197cm.
"It will work one of two ways – we'll mark the ball on them and have lots of opportunities, or the ball will hit the floor and we expect our blokes who are in there to put on an enormous amount of pressure on," Hinkley said.
"We're hopeful we can cause them equally as many concerns."
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