ON THE eve of Jackson Trengove's return from ankle surgery, Port Adelaide has been struck by yet another ankle injury with Justin Westhoff in doubt to face the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.
Westhoff rolled his ankle at training on Wednesday night and will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness ahead of the club's crucial clash against the Swans.
Ironically, Westhoff would benefit more than most from Trengove's inclusion, where his lessened load in the ruck would allow him to spend more time in attack.
Trengove underwent surgery after spraining his ankle against Adelaide in round 15 and has been sidelined since.
Teammates Jared Polec, Angus Monfries, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak all missed games earlier in the season with similar injuries.
"I had the surgery, I think five weeks ago, it's all pulled up really well, it's probably gone a little bit better than expected," Trengove said.
"Mine's pulled up really well and I'll be out there on Saturday night.
"I think [Westhoff] just tweaked his ankle last night at training so he's in there icing … he's come in walking.
"He'll get every opportunity to play Saturday night … if he doesn't train he's still a chance to play – it won't be a call until Saturday morning."
The Power's form has been in stark contrast to that of the Swans in recent weeks.
While Port has lost five of its last seven games and dropped from first to fifth, the Swans have won 13 of their last 14; their only loss was a thrilling 10-point defeat at the hands of ladder-leaders Hawthorn.
Trengove said he wasn't daunted at the prospect of facing the "powerhouse" Swans, describing it as a perfect opportunity to challenge the playing group.
"We love playing against Sydney, they're one of the best teams in the competition and we respect them so much," he said.
"[They're] the powerhouse at the moment and really playing some good footy.
"They've got that many good forwards it's not funny, we were having a little bit of a joke with Alipate (Carlile) and a couple of the other defenders of which one do you want to take? It's a bit of a put the name in the hat and pick one out."
Trengove wore a blue beanie on Thursday as part of the Bang On A Beanie campaign and Brain Injury Awareness week, which runs from August 11-17.
More than one in 12 Australians live with brain injuries and Trengove has supported the cause for 12 months.
Twitter: @AFL_Harry
