Port Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert expects Matt White will avoid suffering more AFL finals heartbreak.
White injured his hamstring in the last round of the 2013 season, missing Richmond's elimination final the following weekend.
The speedster has excelled since joining the Power as a free agent last year, but was substituted out of the side's past two clashes.
Port coach Ken Hinkley insisted it was precautionary after the final-round loss to Fremantle, with Ebert saying on Tuesday that White had pulled up "really well".
"He was subbed out purely ... to make sure he's right to go for the next few weeks coming," Ebert said, despite the fact White failed to train on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old forms a key part of Port's running game.
His return from a groin injury in round 21 has coincided with an upswing in form for the club.
Aside from blistering pace and the capacity to kick stunning goals, White will offer some quality opposition analysis.
He played 105 games for the Tigers and Ebert suggested it would be foolish not to seek some guidance.
"Of course. You obviously speak to Whitey about the players he's played with," Ebert said.
"Strengths, weaknesses and all that sort of stuff.
"It gives you a good insight into what the make-up of their team is ... Whitey's actually got that inside knowledge."
The Power started the season in sizzling fashion and were widely expected to finish in the top four and grab a double chance in finals.
A mid-season slump has proven costly in that regard, but Ebert insisted the belief was back among his teammates.
"Confidence among the group is really good at the moment," he said.
"If you asked me that a month ago, it probably wasn't the same after coming off a fair few losses."
Port are seeking to end the Tigers' incredible nine-game winning streak and are the bookmakers' favourites.
Ebert said his side would be wary, especially given their loss to Richmond in round 17.
"Six weeks ago they showed us how damaging they can be."
Share
