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Power tipped to stretch Dockers

Angus Monfries.

Port Adelaide are poised to bring a full-strength team west for Sunday’s clash against an injury-hit Fremantle at Domain Stadium after two key players were yesterday cleared to play by the AFL anti-doping tribunal.

Boom recruit Paddy Ryder and dangerous forward Angus Monfries, who were both on Essendon’s list in 2012, were declared available for the game.

The duo had been among 34 past and present Essendon players serving provisional doping suspensions until yesterday’s not-guilty verdict.

The result means the Power can field an imposing line-up, with Jackson Trengove (shoulder) and Hamish Hartlett (groin) also set to take the field.

Chad Wingard (knee) remains the only player from the 22 that dumped the Dockers from last year’s premiership race who is in doubt.

But the 2013 All-Australian completed training yesterday with the main group at Alberton in a sign he has recovered from surgery on his right knee in January.

The anti-doping tribunal yesterday found Ryder, Monfries and the other players not guilty of using banned peptide thymosin beta-4 while playing for Essendon.

The pair have not played in the NAB Challenge, but Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said the key duo were available for selection against Fremantle despite their limited game time.

Thomas said the club was relieved with the tribunal’s decision.

“They (Ryder and Monfries) have been through so much and we are very proud as to how they’ve handled themselves during this difficult time,” he said. “It’s a relief that they have been found not guilty of these breaches and can now focus on their football.”

Both players have completed match simulation training.

The Power will particularly benefit from Ryder’s versatility as a ruckman and forward, having specifically targeted the 170-gamer during last year’s trade period to fill an identified weakness in their line-up.

Fremantle veteran Luke McPharlin admits his side’s defence will be stretched by Port Adelaide’s talls, calling on his teammates to put pressure on up the field to help contain a formidable forward line. Port boast Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff and Ryder as key targets.

McPharlin declared himself “super-fit” on the back of a faultless pre-season, a major boost for the Dockers given fellow key defenders Zac Dawson (groin) and Alex Silvagni (hamstring) are unavailable for round one.

“Port have got a very powerful forward line and, regardless of what comes, it’s going to be a challenge,” McPharlin said.

“If they’re not as tall we know that their smalls are very dangerous, but certainly if Ryder plays it will stretch us a bit.

“I think we’re able to contain it as long as the pressure on the ball is outstanding and we always look to our midfield to get the game going and win the ball and get it going in our direction.”

McPharlin said Fremantle were excited about taking on some of the best sides in the opening month of the season.

“We start the season with a bang,” he said. “It will be good to demonstrate where we’re at as a football team.

“I think everyone at this point in time thinks they’re going to win and is super-fit and excited.

“But the real business starts and we’ll see who’s been kidding themselves and who is a genuine contender.”

McPharlin, 33, said he had considered retiring after several injuries meant he played just five matches after round seven last season, but felt he had more to give.

He admitted he had surprised himself with his strong pre-season and put the successful summer down to a focus on strength work.

“Where I stand now, I’ve completed an entire pre-season, I haven’t missed a beat at all,” McPharlin said.

“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions but I feel in super shape at this point in time and really looking forward to the season ahead.

“I’m really not looking any further than probably the first four weeks, I really want to play some really good football in the first month and I’ll reassess from there.”

West Coast have ruled Xavier Ellis out of Saturday night’s match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium as the defender continues to recover from a hamstring strain.