Nathan Krakouer's return to the Port Adelaide side has been overshadowed by speculation on his future with the club, with the livewire defender yet to re-sign amid rumours he's headed to Gold Coast.

Krakouer is one of two ins for the Power's match with Hawthorn on Saturday, replacing Tom Logan (concussion), while Matt Thomas was pulled from the squad on Friday after he failed to overcome a corked calf. Danny Meyer was given the late call-up.

Krakouer returns for his first game since Round 7 after battling osteitis pubis.

Coach Matthew Primus on Friday said the club would continue to try to talk Krakouer into staying at Alberton.

"He's got a decision to make obviously and he's going to wait until the end of the year. Krak says he hasn't made a decision (about his future) and we'll believe him in that," Primus said.

The caretaker coach said there was no doubt the dashing defender was in the Power's best 22 and he was relieved to have him back for the AAMI Stadium clash.

"We've been waiting for him to get into some form, his groins have improved significantly and we think he's in our best 22. He's contracted with us so we'll play him until anything changes from that."

"We think he's a very good player and we've got a bit of need for pace down back with Matty Thomas and Logan out."

"Look, you'd love to have him signed up like Travis Boak, Paul Stewart and Robbie Gray but he's decided to wait until then and that's all we can do. We'll keep talking to him, telling him how good the future here is going to be but in the end it's his decision and we'll have to wait and see."

Thomas had limited time on the track this week and Primus has elected not to risk the in-and-under defender.

Primus denied Port would be stretched for aggression in defence without Thomas and Logan but said Krakouer's attack on the ball was a welcome boost.

"We think Krak at his best, his attack on the ball is pretty good," he said.

He issued a challenge to the rest of the squad to repeat the intensity of the surprise Showdown win last week.

"It's the challenge of the group now to see if they can cover those two and we know what intensity we have to play at. Hopefully two guys (out) doesn't affect us too much."