MARQUEE Port Adelaide recruit Jack Watts has been sensationally axed for Thursday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.

The former No.1 draft pick joined the Power at the end of last season in exchange for pick 31 at last year's NAB AFL Draft after 153 games for the Demons.

Watts made a brilliant introduction to his new club, booting six goals in a JLT Community Series game against Adelaide.

But he has struggled to have a significant impact since, having kicked 13 goals in his first 11 games for the Power.

Exciting youngster Todd Marshall replaces Watts for his first game back in the senior side since taking compassionate leave in April following the death of his father.

"Jack knows his form hasn't been at the level he would like it to be and he understands the reasons for it," Power coach Ken Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday morning.

"Marshall and Watts are not dissimilar, Marshall's 197cm, Watts is tall, so we probably worried about having the extra tall for tomorrow night, but it's the balance going forward, too.

"We still want Jack part of our side, we brought Jack here for that reason, to help us, he'll still help us a lot."

Veteran goalsneak Lindsay Thomas has been recalled after strong form in the SANFL, replacing Jake Neade.

It will be Thomas' first senior game since making an eventful Power debut against Geelong in round five, where he was handed a four-game suspension for high contact on Scott Selwood.

"He's been outstanding the whole time he's been out," Hinkley said.

"He's worked really hard to make himself better physically, he's played the right way, he's helped guide young players in the SANFL and he deserves an opportunity.

"The boys are quite excited to see Lindsay get an opportunity."

Key defender Jack Hombsch returns to the side in place of Tom Jonas, who injured his hamstring in last Friday night's 14-point win against Richmond.

Hinkley expected Jonas to miss from one to three weeks.

Wet conditions are expected for the clash with the Dogs.