As the GIANTS head to UNSW Canberra Oval to take on Port Adelaide we take a look at all the news coming out of Alberton Oval this week. 

Port Adelaide’s ruck stocks have taken a hit this week with number one ruckman Paddy Ryder missing the clash due to a one week suspension.

Ryder was found guilty of striking Adelaide’s Riley Knight during their Showdown loss at the Adelaide Oval last Saturday. 

His likely replacement Matthew Lobbe will also be unavailable for a call up after a hamstring injury ruled him out of contention.

Port Adelaide opted not to hand an in form Billy Frampton an AFL debut instead deciding to stick with the pinch hitting trio of Charlie Dixon, Justin Westhoff and Jackson Trengove.

Ken Hinkley instead deciding to hand Matt White his first AFL game in 384 days, with the midfielder having not played for the Power since round one 2016.

Speaking on Monday, Port Adelaide assistant coach Brendon Lade was pleased with the way the side competed against the Crows, but believes missed opportunities and poor entries inside the forward line ultimately cost the Power.

“We probably gave up a few to easy goals,” Lade said.

“Some of our entries, our kicking inside 50 and our patterns weren’t great, however saying that their defenders were very good on the night.

“And some of our kicks in the last quarter weren’t great, however saying that we had 58 inside-50s, so we are doing a lot of things right.” 

Port Adelaide has been bolstered by the return of exciting half-back Jasper Pittard who is returning from a hamstring injury suffered during Port’s JLT Community Series loss to Richmond a month ago.

The 26-year-oldreplaces mature aged recruit Brett Eddy who has been omitted.

A key-forward, Eddy had kicked three goals from his three appearances so far in 2017 but will play in the SANFL.

The GIANTS play Port Adelaide at UNSW Canberra Oval on Saturday, April 15^th. CLICK HERE to purchase your seat today.