Port Adelaide news: All the latest news from Alberton Oval

Power fans held their collective breath when Trent McKenzie went down early against the Suns, now the extent of his injury has been revealed and it could lead to the return of their skipper.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 08: Trent McKenzie of the Power grabs his ankle after getting hurt in a marking contest with Levi Casboult of the Suns mduring the 2023 AFL Round 17 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Gold Coast Suns at Adelaide Oval on July 8, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Port Adelaide key defender Trent McKenzie has avoided any structural damage to his ankle, but is set to spend up to three weeks on the sidelines.

McKenzie was subbed off at quarter-time of the Power’s 33-point home victory against Gold Coast on Saturday night after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.

He went to have X-rays post-match on what coach Ken Hinkley described as a badly sprained ankle.

Scans have revealed that McKenzie has suffered no structural damage to the ankle and escaped serious injury.

The Power have said that McKenzie will miss two to three weeks with his ankle sprain.

It opens the door for captain Tom Jonas for his first AFL game since Round 10 on May 19.

McKenzie was subbed out of the game in the first quarter. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With Tom Clurey’s season over after he underwent surgery to resect a bulging disc in his back on Monday, Jonas and untried key defender Jake Pasini would be the only two realistic options for the Power to replace McKenzie.

Hinkley said after the Suns win that Jonas would be straight in if McKenzie was to miss time.

He will have a tough task first up with Carlton’s twin tall forward duo of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in store for the Power at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Clurey had missed a month of action due to ongoing back pain.

Ruckman Scott Lycett will be a test for the Blues clash after he missed the win over the Suns.

Sam Hayes played his first game since last year against the Suns, but was soundly beaten by Gold Coast co-captain Jarrod Witts in the hitouts battle 18-44.

Lycett could be a chance to return against the Blues. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Carlton have been without a recognised ruckman in recent weeks with Marc Pittonet and Tom de Koning injured.

The Power’s ruck stocks are going to get a further boost in the coming weeks with Brynn Teakle returning to drills this week as he recovers from a foot injury.

He is set to be eligible for selection in the next three weeks.

Orazio Fantasia got through his return to football in the SANFL on the weekend.

He was originally to play the first half against Woodville-West Torrens but was able to play in the second half, although his minutes was managed.

Originally published as Port Adelaide news: All the latest news from Alberton Oval