Sam Skinner may come to coaches’ rescues as a cheap defensive option with a few casualties at Port Adelaide along with teammate Josh Sinn, while Marcus Bontempelli trained on Monday in a positive sign.

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Sam Skinner (AF $190k SC $123k D/F) looks likely to capitalise on the misfortune of a few teammates at Port, with Aliir Aliir the latest to go down injured with syndesmosis.

Port assistant coach Nathan Bassett said: “He’s been in good form. He’s looked very good at training and our training game a couple of weeks ago. Sam will be some chance to come in this week.”

Port have further concerns with Trent McKenzie, Xavier Duursma, Robbie Gray and Connor Rozee, although he clarified all were not as bad as originally expected and are in the mix to play in Round 2.

But should any miss out, 2021 first round draft pick Josh Sinn (AF $268k SC $157k D/M) may be around the mark to come in.

Bassett said: “Certainly Josh and a few others are a bigger chance to come in. Josh has had a good preseason. He did quite well in our trial matches. He’s certainly got some qualities.”

West Coast’s Willie Rioli (AF $312k SC $225k FWD) has been offered a one-game ban for rough conduct on Matt Rowell. Eagles coach Adam Simpson indicated on 7News Perth on Monday night that they would likely appeal the ban.

Popular SuperCoach pick Jarrod Berry (AF $724k SC $268k MID) looks to be OK despite a shoulder injury scare. Lions High Performnace Manager Damien Austin said: “Bez had a minor shoulder capsule irritation but it is stable and we’ll get him up for this week.”

The calf injury to Dayne Zorko (AF $860k SC $595k MID) isn’t too bad either. Austin said: “There is a little bit of swelling there but we will try to get him up for this week.’’

Likewise Daniel Rich (AF $804k SC $582k DEF) who had a hip complaint. Austin said: “He just jarred it on a landing but he’ll be fine for this week.”

It seems like Marcus Bontempelli (AF $901k SC $651k MID) will get up to play despite an ankle injury. Dogs vice-captain Jack Macrae said: “He trained today so pretty confident that he’ll play but obviously I don’t have the final say.”

Melbourne offered an update on Christian Salem (AF $717k SC $514k DEF) who has undergone surgery. The Demons said: “The half-back flanker underwent successful surgery on Friday after chipping some cartilage in his knee and is set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks of footy.”

North draftee Paul Curtis (AF $222k SC $117k FWD) is a player knocking on the door for an AFL debut and impressed in their VFL practice match.

Kangas VFL coach Leigh Adams said: “I thought Paul Curtis, when he got his hands on the ball, looked a class above. We probably didn’t get the ball into our forward line enough to allow him to have a full game. He kicked two or three goals and he made the most of his opportunities but he just didn’t get a lot of them.”

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