Veteran Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Cornes will line up against the Brisbane Lions this Sunday at AAMI Stadium, after serving a one-match suspension.

Cornes has had some terrific battles with the Lions throughout his 13-year career, and may even get the opportunity to renew acquaintances with regular opponent Simon Black should the Brownlow Medallist overcome a groin complaint.

The 30 year-old has posted near career-best figures in 2013, averaging 27.6 disposals, 5.3 marks and 5.1 tackles per game.

Port will have to make do without Matt Jonas, however, after the young defender was handed a three-match ban by the AFL Match Review Panel on Monday.

Portadelaidefc.com.au suggests there are a number of suitable candidates ready to replace Jonas’ role in defence if required.

Jack Hombsch has been in good form in the SANFL since his omission in Round 16, while Lewis Stevenson and Campbell Heath have been working to recapture their form in the local competition for a longer period of time.

But with wet weather conditions forecast for Sunday, the Port Adelaide match committee may instead opt for a smaller line-up, and could include former Captain Domenic Cassisi who has recovered from a hamstring injury.

Cassisi has had a tough battle with injury this year, however his impact when on the field has been significant in a number of games this year – notably in Port’s wins against the Gold Coast Suns and Sydney.

Matt Thomas also performed strongly in the SANFL following his omission last week and may offer some more grunt to the midfield on a slower surface.

With a dwindling injury list, Port Adelaide will have plenty of options at their disposal when the time comes to select their Round 18 side.

The Lions and Port will announce their 25-man squads at 6:25pm on Thursday, with the final teams to be revealed at 5pm on Friday.  

Port Adelaide injury list
Dom Cassisi – hamstring (available)
Daniel Stewart – hip (assess)
Brett Ebert – adductor (assess)
Jarrad Redden – hip (season)

Brisbane Lions injury list
Stefan Martin – hamstring (test)
Brent Moloney – calf (test)
Jonathan Brown – hip (test)
Mitch Golby – quad (test)
Simon Black – adductor (TBC)
Nick Hayes – foot (2-3 weeks)
Pearce Hanley – hand (2-4 weeks)
Stephen Wrigley – knee (season)
Claye Beams – knee (season)