Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says he's excited about the AFL debut of ruckman Billy Frampton against Essendon on Friday night.
The 21-year-old West Australian has been picked to debut as Port seeks to salvage their season.
The Power, to sneak into the finals, must down Essendon at Adelaide Oval and hope Geelong lose to lowly Gold Coast on Saturday.
Hinkley said Frampton's debut, in his fourth season on the Power's list, will allow lead ruckman Paddy Ryder to be deployed in attack more frequently against the Bombers.
"They will share the (forward) role around a little bit," Hinkley said of Ryder and Frampton.
"It helps give us a bit more of a focus in our forward line because we understand we haven't got Charlie (Dixon) there, so we're trying to cover that using a bit of Paddy, a bit of Billy in that spot.
"Billy also kicks goals. He does go forward and clunk a couple in the SANFL so hopefully he can do that in his AFL debut.
"It's pretty exciting ... this is his opportunity and I'm sure he'll take it."
Frampton is among three changes to Port's side which lost against Collingwood last weekend - the Power's fifth defeat in six games.
Midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper and Jake Neade have been recalled with Riley Bonner and Aidyn Johnson dropped and Tom Rockliff sidelined by injury.
Ex-Brisbane captain Rockliff will soon have shoulder surgery, ending his season regardless if Port pinch a finals spot.
Hinkley said irrespective of his club's long-shot finals chances, Port will be at full-throttle on Friday night.
"It's really important to play well whenever you play," he said.
"That is the key to any football side, you want to represent your team and each other really strongly.
"There will always be winners and losers in a football season. But every time you play, there should be a way you want to play and we want to play really strong, tough footy."
