PORT Adelaide star forwards Charlie Dixon and Chad Wingard will return from injury to kick off their 2016 campaigns against Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.

Recruited from Gold Coast at the end of 2015, Dixon had knee surgery on his left meniscus in early February.

He is likely to play limited minutes against the Tigers in his first competitive outing in his new colours.

"He'll probably play modified game time against Richmond, depending on how he's going," high performance manager Darren Burgess told the club's website.

Dixon, 25, was traded to the Power at the end of last year in a three-way deal also involving Richmond that saw Port Adelaide give up pick No.10 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, and its second round pick this year.

He looms as Port's main target up forward but injuries have curtailed his career thus far. Dixon managed 16 games last year, the most he has played in his five seasons. He has played just 65 out of a possible 110 games in his career.

Wingard missed the Power's pre-season game against Melbourne after being withdrawn due to hamstring soreness.

"Chad's in great shape. He completed training today, so we're confident he'll be available to play against Richmond," Burgess said. 

At just 22, Wingard is already a dual All-Australian and has won a best and fairest (2013). He came second in last year's club championship.

Defender Tom Clurey hopes to be available for selection in the first month of the home and away season as he continues to recover from a foot injury.