Port legend John Cahill backs Power's move to Adelaide Oval, reserves plan

PORT Adelaide legend John Cahill has backed football's return to Adelaide Oval - and endorsed the Power reserves taking the Magpies' place in the SANFL.

PORT Adelaide legend John Cahill has backed football's return to Adelaide Oval - and endorsed the Power reserves taking over the Magpies' place in the SANFL league competition.

Cahill today reflected on his unprecedented success at Football Park - where the Power will close the Port Adelaide story on Saturday with its AFL clash with Carlton - with greater fondness for Adelaide Oval.

While Cahill won his record 10 flags as a coach at AAMI Stadium, he played his then record 267 SANFL games at Adelaide Oval (1959-1973) and won four SANFL flags as a Magpie player.

Cahill today endorsed all the Port Adelaide Football Club has done to return elite football to Adelaide Oval, starting with the Showdown on March 29.

"I believe in our hierarchy ... going to Adelaide Oval is a great move," said Cahill today.

"I love Footy Park (now known as AAMI Stadium), but Adelaide Oval is something special. If I had a choice, it is Adelaide Oval every time."

Port's board will meet on Friday to decide if the Power will field a reserves team in the SANFL next year, replacing the Magpies.

Cahill says he will back the club's decision, even if it involves a Power "takeover" of the Magpies.

"I don't have any problems with it," said Cahill. "I can see the Magpies here next year and I'd love to have the Port (AFL) reserves here as well with the AFL players under the banner of the Magpies. Whatever happens, they have my support."

Cahill's view contrasts to that of fellow club legend Russell Ebert, who on Wednesday was scathing of the SA Football Commission's treatment of the club.

The Port board has to consider the option of placing the Power reserves in the SANFL league competition and running the full-scale Magpies - with under-age teams - in 2014 before scaling back in 2015 with no under-age teams and possibly no recruiting zone.

Meanwhile, the Power is preparing for its final game at AAMI.

At selection tonight, Power coach Ken Hinkley says, he will confidently recall former captain Dom Cassisi who has been troubled by hamstring tightness in recent weeks.

Defender Jack Hombsch also is in line for a recall.

Midfielder Brad Ebert and forward Chad Wingard face tests at training on Friday.