Brad Ebert says “extra spice’’ of pre-season derby is good for Port Adelaide

BRAD Ebert says there will be “extra spice’’ in Saturday’s pre-season Showdown, despite no premiership points being up for grabs.

MIDFIELD FORCE: Brad Ebert and Tom Rockliff go head-to-head in Port Adelaide's internal trial. Picture: Tom Huntley.

BRAD Ebert says there will be “extra spice’’ in Saturday’s pre-season Showdown, despite no premiership points being up for grabs.

And he has rejected calls from Port Adelaide team-mate Jasper Pittard for derbies to be saved for the main season by declaring the 3.35pm Alberton Oval clash will give the Power almost the perfect build up for round one.

“It’s always good to play against the main rival because whether it’s a regular season game or not you are always wanting to win and we’re always up for a good challenge against the Crows,’’ said veteran midfielder Ebert.

“It will be a good dress rehearsal for round one, so we’ll be picking a pretty strong team - and I’m sure Adelaide will do the same - to make sure we’re ready to go for the start of the season.

“It’s our second JLT pre-season game so everyone will be really keen to show they’ve improved over the pre-season and implementing what we’re talking about’’.

Ebert predicted there are as many as 30 players in contention for a starting spot in Port’s best 22 for the round-one clash against Fremantle, adding to the importance of Saturday’s match.

Three players almost certain not to play against the Crows are key recruit Tom Rockliff, dashing wingman Jared Polec and rebounding defender Matthew Broadbent.

Former Brisbane captain Rockliff has minor knee soreness after being hurt in the club’s internal trial last month but told The Advertiser he will be fit for round one.

Polec (hamstring) and Broadbent (ankle) are battling more serious injuries and are unlikely to be available for AFL selection until April.

Key playmakers, former Cat Steven Motlop (calf), and Chad Wingard (hamstring), are strong chances to play against the Crows.

“A lot has been spoken about with all the new boys coming into our club and it only strengthens the list and adds some real depth for us,’’ said key midfielder Ebert, who is raring to go for the start of the season after recovering from summer shoulder surgery. “There’s going to be plenty of players fighting for spots but it’s a challenge that everyone is up for.’’

Former Demon Jack Watts should play against Adelaide while another exDemon, speedster Dom Barry, is expected to get another chance to press his claims after a standout performance in the two-point JLT loss to West Coast.

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Originally published as Brad Ebert says “extra spice’’ of pre-season derby is good for Port Adelaide