Port Adelaide will place emphasis on the AFLX tournmanet as it considers Round 1 selections

WHY Port Adelaide’s players will need to treat AFLX seriously at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday night.

Todd Marshall, right, up against Tom Jonas in Port Adelaide's first intra-club at Alberton, will be one of the Power players pushing for a Round 1 berth in AFLX. Picture: Tom Huntley

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PORT Adelaide will use the AFLX event at Hindmarsh Stadium on Thursday night as its first selection tool as it begins shaping the side for Round 1 of the premiership season.

The club is not taking the event lightly, with competition for spots at a premium after a busy off-season of trading and recruiting and the players will be put on edge in the abbreviated matches as the pre-season begins with games against other clubs.

Assistant coach Matthew Nicks said the players had been told of the importance to perform in the new event, even though tactically it is expected to be played out differently from a regular game of football.

“Sunday next week we’re into the JLT (practice matches) and we only play two JLT this year,” Nicks said.

“So I guess once you’ve got that position, nine tenths of the law say you’re in.

Dom Barry will be another player looking to prove his credentials during AFLX. Picture: Tom Huntley

“That’s what we talk to players about.

“We’ll play a strong side through the JLT with it being only two games ... some of these guys who are knocking on the door will be playing AFLX and it will be an opportunity to stand up.”

PORT AFLX SQUAD

Robbie Gray, Trent Mckenzie, Todd Marshall, Karl Amon, Tom Clurey, Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Kane Farrell, Riley Bonner, Joel Garner, Jasper Pittard, Dougal Howard, Jake Patmore, Jarrod Lienert, Dom Barry, Dan Houston, Cameron Hewett, Sam Gray