Port Adelaide can see light at the end of their 2008 tunnel following an early season AFL draw Chad Cornes describes as the toughest he has ever encountered.

By the end of next week, the Power will have faced both problem team Sydney and AFL benchmark Geelong twice in the first 12 rounds, while also facing up to top eight incumbents Adelaide, Hawthorn and Brisbane.

But the next month or so offers some sort of respite for the Power, including midtable fixtures against Carlton, Richmond and North Melbourne.

"You look forward to that (the easier draw)," Cornes said.

"The first half of this year has been the hardest draw I've ever been involved with.

"It hasn't worked out great for us, but once we get over that hurdle, hopefully we can win a couple more games before the bye and really come home strong after that."

Cornes is seeking some personal progress following a ginger initial two games back from a badly broken right ring finger that required the insertion of pins.

While frankly admitting he'd sooner lose the finger than wear another lay-off to let it recover from a second break, Cornes said he was more likely to see it improve soon.

"I'm still a bit fumbly and my marking isn't where I'd like it to be at this stage, but I'm getting better every week," he said.

"The worst-case scenario, if I shattered it and the pins and screws were displaced; you might have to think about cutting it off.

"If it was a choice between missing eight weeks of footy and cutting your finger off you'd have to think about it."

Port face Carlton this week in the league's Sunday twilight fixture and keen eyes will be on whoever Port picks to mind Brendan Fevola.

Cornes said young defender Alipate Carlile was growing into a player capable of minding one of the league's finest forwards.

"Alipate is definitely a chance to play on Fev, his form has been one of the highlights for the year," he said.

"For a young guy he's just so strong and, I said it at the start of the year, but I think he'll be the next Mal Michael hopefully for the next ten years at the club.

"He's going to be a great player and last week was probably his best game for the club.

"He'll be a chance to get Fev and then there's Toby (Thurstans) and (Troy) Chaplin, so the coaches will do the match-ups tomorrow."

Midfielder Dom Cassisi is all but assured of returning after he missed last week's Fremantle match with a virus.

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