PORT ADELAIDE expect Tom Jonas to be fit for Saturday’s Preliminary Final despite the defender being subbed out of Saturday night’s win over Fremantle.
Jonas suffered a corked hip during the second quarter of the Semi Final victory at Patersons Stadium before being subbed out at half time.
But the Power expect the solidly built defender to be fit to take his place against the Hawks at the MCG on Saturday.
“We’re really positive about his outlook for this week, we’d expect him to get through training and put his hand up for selection again on Thursday,” Port Adelaide head of high performance Darren Burgess told the club’s website.
“Tommy’s corkie was enough to make the call on the sub, we felt he wouldn’t be able to compete as we would have needed him to for the rest of the game.”
Jonas has been a revelation this year, locking down a key defensive role in the Power’s back six.
He has formed a formidable partnership with fellow defender Jackson Trengove and Alipate Carlisle, taking on tasks against the opposition’s third tall.
At 188cm, Jonas is athletic and adds to his side’s strength in their ability to rebound quickly off half back to set up counterattacks.
Jonas averages 15.2 disposals in his 21 games this year along with five marks. He is also ranked fourth at his club for rebounds 50s.
Speedster Matt White will also take his place after getting through Saturday night’s semi final with a minor crack in his jaw.
White suffered the injury against the Tigers in the Elimination Final but was cleared to play against Fremantle.