Power coach Matthew Primus has given the biggest indication so far that Chad Cornes' future isn't over just yet, despite the veteran going in for surgery on his injured finger and ending his season.
Primus stated the 2004 premiership player was still an integral part of the Port Adelaide squad, but covered all bases surrounding Cornes' playing career saying his place in the Power team will be up for review at the end of the season.
The caretaker coach said there are still too many factors to make a definitive decision on the 30-year-old, but admitted it is disappointing that the injury has ended his season, denying Cornes the opportunity to return to action this year to play for his position on the list for next season.
"That will be up for discussion at the end of the year with the list managers and whoever is in charge," he said.
"Look, I still think he's important to our squad and our structure. I'm disappointed we can't see him get back into some form but as I said there's a lot of other, bigger decisions to be made yet that will impact on Chad. He's obviously out for the rest of the year and that will play out in five weeks time."
Primus has made do without the 230-gamer in defence since he took over at the helm of Port Adelaide, dropping Cornes for his first game in charge.
The Power's defence impressed last week against the Crows, as Troy Chaplin was used to great effect as a loose man. He racked up 26 disposals and 11 marks thwarting Adelaide's attack and launched the Power forward on several occasions.
Primus said Chaplin would more likely be given the task of shutting down either one of the Hawks spearheads Lance Franklin or Jarryd Roughead this week, with Alipate Carlile matching up on the other.
The former captain said Port has other options in defence and how they line up will depend on how "Buddy" Franklin and Hawthorn set up in the front half.
"I think Carlile and Chaplin will play on them," he said.
"It depends on how far Buddy wants to play up the ground. We think (Nick) Salter can do a little bit, we think Jackson Trengove can. We'll mix and match it but obviously we want to give most of the time to our two key backs."
"We think we have a few other players who can play that role (loose man in defence). Chaplin is obviously very good at it. But, we're happy that other players can do that role and if they have to will step up to it."