‘Olympic level’ preparations for milestone

The potential for a trio of star inclusions at Port Adelaide this week and the locked in location for Friday’s clash with Collingwood will allow for an ‘Olympic level’ preparation for superstar Travis Boak’s 300th game.

Having jumped back into the top four with a road-trip win over St Kilda last weekend, Port’s build-up towards finals should be bolstered by the return of Conor Rozee, Zac Butters and, finally, Xavier Duursma.

The knee injury Butters sustained in his round 17 comeback is not as severe as first thought, and Rozee, who missed the win over the Saints with knee soreness, should also return.

And Port assistant coach Nathan Bassett said he would be “surprised” if Duursma, who hasn’t played in the AFL since round 4 due to a knee injury, wasn’t back after two weeks in the SANFL.

“Rozee, Butters and Duursma would not be bad ‘ins’ this week, would they?” Basset said on Monday.

“Duursma was very good in the SANFL, so I would be surprised if ‘X’ did not play AFL this week. He is a hard worker; he asks plenty of questions because he wants to be the best he can. I really liked his game at the weekend.

“He was playing more inside and his toughness in the contest and his ability get from one contest to another gives him a chance to make us better as a footy team.

“Connor certainly feels a lot better after having the week off and would be a good chance.

“Zak‘s injury was not as significant as we first thought. He would be a chance to play this week.”

Covid complications forced the AFL in to a time shift for Friday’s clash with Collingwood at Adelaide Oval.

Avoiding the need to move to Saturday afternoon, the match was simply brought forward to a 6:40pm local start time to allow the Magpies fly in and out on game day

“We will (prepare) as we have the past 15-16 months,” Bassett said. ”We will prepare for any scenario. We will give the players the best possible information to give them the best chance to play this week.”

Travis Boak has been a warrior for Port Adelaide. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Bassett said they wouldn’t let the fixturing moving feast impact their preparations, which could go to Olympic levels this week in tribute to former captain Boak, who becomes the second Port player to reach 300 games.

“Travis means so much to the footy club,” he said.

“His commitment to be the best that he can be in the way he trains … we are going to be watching the Olympics later this week, and Travis is one of those athletes who prepares like he is preparing for the Olympics each week

“He has a dedication that separates him from nearly everyone else. The guys are pumped for his 300th this week. Trav will let loose, and I am expecting a strong performance from the team.”

Lachie Jones could also return suffering a second hamstring injury this season.

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