Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is punting on a pair of experienced backmen finding form in Saturday’s season-shaping AFL game against St Kilda.

Hinkley has summoned defensive duo Jasper Pittard and Jack Hombsch after previously dropping both to the state league, among four changes for Port’s side to host the Saints.

“The team is certainly stronger if it can be on paper, but we need to put it out there on the ground,” Hinkley told reporters on Friday.