The skilful Hartlett was already in doubt after suffering hamstring tightness in last week’s win over St Kilda, with coach Ken Hinkley confirming: “‘Hammer’ has got some hamstring awareness, it’s too early in the season to take any risks with him, he has got a history.”

But it is the absence of Schulz that will intensify the spotlight on Suns import Charlie Dixon, who sparked in the second half against the Saints to kick three goals.

Ironically, the Crows had recalled key defender Kyle Hartigan from the SANFL to help quell Port’s brace of tall timber in attack, sending former captain Nathan van Berlo back to the state league.

Van Berlo struggled to assert himself in last week’s game against North Melbourne, finishing with just nine disposals.

But it is the second time recently his form has seen him banished from the Crows’ best 22, after he spent time in the SANFL in the latter half of last season.

Nathan Van Berlo has been dropped for the clash with Port Adelaide. Photo: Dan Peled, AAP.

And with a plethora of young hopefuls, including small forward Charlie Cameron and emerging mids Riley Knight and Jarryd Lyons, still pushing for selection – along with seasoned swingman Ricky Henderson – it could be a long way back for the former skipper.

The Power have elevated former Melbourne No. 4 draft pick Jimmy Toumpas for his first game for his new side, replacing the injured Matt White, while Aaron Young and emerging forward Dougal Howard will come in to replace Hartlett and Schulz.

Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane said the grudge match would play out like a final.

“They are just great games to be involved in,” Sloane told Fox Footy’s AFL360.

“You have got Essendon-Collingwood playing the Anzac Day clash and so many teams in Melbourne have these big rivalry games.

“And this is our one for the year, us v Port.

“It’s finals-like contested football, these are the games you want to step up in and play some good footy in because there’s no tougher game to be involved in.”

SA-born midfielder James Aish will make his debut for Collingwood in tonight’s encounter against Richmond, as both sides look for dramatic improvement after last week’s showings, despite the Tigers notching a win against Carlton.

The former Brisbane utility is among four changes to the Magpies side for the MCG fixture: Aish, Ben Reid, ruckman Brodie Grundy and Adam Oxley come into a Collingwood side struck by injury and suspension.

The Pies lost Dane Swan (broken leg) and Jarrad Witts (hand) to injury, and Steele Sidebottom to suspension, while omitting Brayden Maynard.

Richmond, still without evergreen duo Brett Deledio (thigh) and Ivan Maric (back), dropped Steven Morris while Daniel Rioli (leg) and Shane Edwards (broken hand) fell to injury.

The Tigers, seeking consecutive wins to open their season, summoned upgraded rookie Jayden Short, Shaun Grigg and Taylor Hunt.

-with AAP