PORT Adelaide has made a late change ahead of Saturday night’s clash with West Coast, replacing Jasper Pittard with former Eagle Lewis Stevenson.
Pittard has been in encouraging form in 2013 but wasn’t able to recover from general soreness in time for the round-five match at AAMI Stadium.
The 22-year-old has only managed 14 games since being drafted by the Power with pick No.16 at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft but after a flawless pre-season, Pittard had averaged close to 19 touches a game in his four games this season.
Stevenson had been dropped for forward Paul Stewart earlier in the week and was described as “unlucky” by coach Ken Hinkley.
The 23-year-old played 10 games for West Coast in 2010, but spent seasons 2011 and 2012 in the WAFL, before crossing to Alberton late last year.
He’s averaged 18 disposals a game this season and has proved a valuable member of the Power’s half-back line.
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
