PORT Adelaide will play a more mobile forward line in the absence of key target Charlie Dixon, while 21-year-old Billy Frampton could make his AFL debut against Collingwood star Brodie Grundy in Saturday's crucial clash at the MCG.
Frampton is the leading contender to replace All Australian Paddy Ryder, who is "less than 50/50" to face the Magpies after re-aggravating a hip flexor injury in last Saturday's four-point loss to West Coast.
The Power will need to restructure their attack with Dixon out for the rest of the season with a fractured right fibula.
Dixon is the Power's second-leading goal-kicker this season with 26, and is also seventh in the League for contested marks with 38.
The Power don't have a key forward knocking the door down in the reserves.
Medium-sized forwards Lindsay Thomas (19 in six) and Jake Patmore (12 in 16) are the second and third leading goal-kickers in Port's SANFL team behind Kane Farrell (20), who has played the past three AFL games.
Superstar small forward Robbie Gray is the Power's leading goal-kicker with 34, followed by Dixon, Chad Wingard (22) and Sam Gray (20).
Veteran Justin Westhoff or key defender Dougal Howard could be pushed forward as the tall target.
"From our point of view, it means we're forced to go mobile," Power assistant coach Michael Voss said of Dixon's injury.
"At the MCG, big ground, if we can use all the grass with the way we move the ball and if we can put enough pressure on in our forward half, that's what we'll probably look to do."
It's the fourth season on the Power's list for 200cm Frampton.
His form in the SANFL has improved as the season has gone on, and he was an emergency when Ryder was in doubt for the Power's round 19 win against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.
"Billy will certainly be in the discussion," Voss said.
"He's been thereabout for a few weeks now, Bill and his form has been pretty solid.
"The ideal scenario is one player goes out and another player comes in, but we have to throw that in the melting pot and see what we come up with."
The Power could also move the 199cm Howard from defence into the ruck to cover Ryder, while defender Dan Houston will be monitored after a heavy knock against the Eagles.
"Dan's OK, but I would've thought Paddy's probably still sitting less than 50/50 after this particular game," Voss said.
Midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper and running defender Riley Bonner are chances to be recalled, while key defender Jack Hombsch could come back in if Howard plays in the ruck.
