PORT ADELAIDE has lost key forward Jay Schulz and vice-captain Hamish Hartlett from its line-up for Showdown 40, significantly changing the balance for Saturday’s derby at Adelaide Oval.

The pair have been replaced by midfielder Aaron Young to cover Hartlett and untried ruckman Dougal Howard.

Hartlett did not pass a fitness test on his tight hamstring at Alberton this morning.

Replay Rucci’s blog below now

Schulz’s absence removes the triple-threat of key forwards in the Power attack where Adelaide had to cover 202cm key forward Charlie Dixon, Justin Westhoff and Schulz.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley explained Schulz’s withdrawal to soreness from Sunday’s season-opener against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.

“Schulzy pulled up sore from the game and couldn’t get through training on Wednesday,” Hinkley said.

“Hamish had a bit of hamstring awareness, but at this early stage of the season we don’t want to take risks with injury.”

The Power’s emergency list changes with the call up of utility Paul Stewart and the untried Darcy Byrne-Jones.

michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au