Port Adelaide's Adam Cockshell set to front in reserves against Bulldogs

MAGPIES coach Ken McGregor is reluctant to reveal his intentions with Adam Cockshell for the crucial battle against Central District.

PORT Adelaide coach Ken McGregor is reluctant to reveal his intentions with ruckman Adam Cockshell for Saturday's crucial battle against Central District at Alberton.

Cockshell was named in the 23-man squad for the clash the Magpies must win to remain in the hunt for the finals and McGregor said he was a "chance to play''.

But whether the Magpies are prepared to take a punt on the key position player after just two games in the reserves following a month-long overseas vacation is the question.

Cockshell has not appeared in the league side since playing the first two rounds.

Talented defender Kory Beard will return to the line-up after missing last week's hefty loss to Norwood while Daniel Kulikowski will be rested after taking several nasty knocks in recent weeks.

McGregor described the match as massive and said defeat would end the Magpies' hopes of extending their season beyond the minor round.

The Magpies can climb within a game of the fifth-placed Bulldogs on the ladder. Both team have four games remaining after this weekend.

"They are the side immediately below us so a win would relieve a lot of pressure,'' Bulldogs general manager Kris Grant said.

The Bulldogs took a no-risk policy with key forward Alan Obst, a spectator since June 1 because of a four-week suspension, two byes and problems with his calf, and opted to play him in the reserves.

A fractured cheekbone also sidelined him for three weeks before returning for the round nine game against Woodville-West Torrens when he was reported.

"It's been a few weeks since Alan played and he needs a run,'' Grant said.

"I'm sure he will be back in the league side soon.''

The Bulldogs have been buoyed by an impressive 50-point victory over North Adelaide at Elizabeth last weekend.

Their two games against the Magpies have been a comfortable win at Alberton in round six and a two-point loss at Elizabeth six rounds later.

The Bulldogs will consider taking a settled line-up into the encounter, having added Luke Barmby and Ben Nason to the 21 who claimed the impressive win last week after coming off the bye.

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