Port Adelaide preliminary final news: Ryan Burton and Charlie Dixon available but Kane Farrell ruled out

Kane Farrell’s bid for an unlikely return in Port Adelaide’s preliminary final has fallen short – but other big changes are looming large as the club eyes its first Grand Final since 2007.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024: Kane Farrell during Port Adelaide training at Alberton. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Dangerous defender Kane Farrell gave his injured hamstring a significant test at Port Adelaide’s main training session but won’t make a sensational return in the preliminary final against Sydney at the SCG,

However, Charlie Dixon and Ryan Burton’s hopes of returning to the Power’s side received a boost as Port tries to clinch its first Grand Final appearance since 2007.

Weeks after he was ruled out for the season after he suffered a high-grade hamstring strain in Round 24 against Fremantle, Farrell continued his bid for a remarkable comeback at Alberton Oval on Tuesday.

The long-kicking defender did plenty of sprinting and repeat efforts, which the Power have said he needs to do to prove his fitness for the clash against the Swans.

Kane Farrell is making an unlikely bid to play in the preliminary final. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Charlie Dixon is likely to report to the Port Adelaide side.

At one point there was a “yeah Farrell” from his teammates.

But while he looked to have gotten through all of his sprinting Farrell did not do match sim on Tuesday and is listed as one to two weeks on the Power’s injury list.

Dixon and Burton are set to be available for the Power against the Swans.

After both being with the rehab/management group — or doing individual running — to start the session, the two took part in match sim on the stronger side.

Power vice-captain Zak Butters said it would be good to have the duo available.

“I think they trained really well today and put their best foot forward for selection,” he said.

“I guess they both narrowly missed out last week with some little things but so far so good for them this week.”

Burton was playing in defence, which resulted in Jase Burgoyne moving back to a wing despite his best on ground performance in the semi-final against Hawthorn playing at half-back.

Quinton Narkle started as a forward for the stronger side with Francis Evans in the second team.

But, Evans did join the stronger side later on in the session.

Will Lorenz, who was elevated to sub for the semi-final, was with the secondary team.

Gun defender Miles Bergman left the track early after not being involved in any drills — but only due to being managed.

Key forward Todd Marshall watched on as he progresses through the AFL’s concussion protocols after suffering his fifth concussion in just over three years.