Carlile on track to take on Giants

Port Adelaide full back Alipate Carlile is likely to be available to play against GWS Giants. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ALIPATE Carlile only has to pull up without soreness today to be picked in Port Adelaide's team to play Greater Western Sydney.

The powerfully built full back - who missed round one with a hamstring injury - got through the Power's main training session without incident yesterday to put his hand up for selection.

"As long as his body feels OK (today), he'll be picked," Port senior assistant Alan Richardson said.

"He trained well and we're really confident he'll be ready to go. But we'll just see how things pan out during the week."

Carlile, 25, hasn't played since signing a four-year mega-deal to avoid free agency and stay at the club.

Richardson said the 192cm key defender had a few boxes to tick before taking his place against the Giants, including training tomorrow, but that he was on track to make his season debut.

Provided he is fit, Carlile is expected to be the only inclusion in the team which thumped Melbourne by 79 points in round one, with coach Ken Hinkley saying he would reward most of those players who did the job so well first-up.

This would leave former captain Dom Cassisi and exciting forwards Robbie Gray and John Butcher to continue to try to regain form and fitness in the SANFL.

All three former regulars played in the opening round of the local league after restricted pre-seasons because of injury.

Power vice-captain Brad Ebert said pressure for spots could result in the trio spending longer than usual in the SANFL.

Cassisi is Port's second-most experienced player behind Kane Cornes, having played 203 matches since debuting in 2002.

Now the man who battled illness and a calf injury over summer is struggling to force his way into the team.

"I'm not too sure where Dom is sitting (with selection)," Ebert said.

"I'd say as soon as he's back to 100 per cent fitness he'll definitely be in contention but whether he's straight back in this week, I'm not too sure.

"Kenny (Hinkley) came out the other day and said competition is tough for spots and the way that Lewy Stevenson, Campbell Heath and Jasper Pittard played across the half-back line and back pocket last week it will be tough (to get a spot).

"But I know Dom played well last week (for West Adelaide) and if he plays SANFL this week I'm sure he'll play well again and be right at the top of the order pushing for selection."

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