Essendon big man Jake Carlisle may start the match in the forward line for the first time this season against Port Adelaide on Sunday after another impressive showing up the ground against West Coast.

Carlisle has been in sensational form as a defender but in recent outings against Carlton and the Eagles has pushed forward to have an impact in the second half.

Coach James Hird gave his biggest indication yet that Carlisle might start forward against Port Adelaide.

“The case is pretty compelling to leave them where they were at the end of the game,” Hird said post match.

“Jake did a great job on Kennedy early on and the hesitation was that we wanted him to get up and create something for us up forward but we were going to take away a good player,”

“I thought Hurley went back and was terrific as well so we will continue to switch them around.”

Carlisle has now booted five goals from his five quarters played in the forward half in 2013 proving he has the ability to provide a target and impact the scoreboard.

Hurley has suffered a number of injury setbacks this season booting 11 goals from 10 matches.

He has previously stated his desire to play back but said he is happy to take on the challenge of playing as a forward if that is what is best for the team.

Hird also commended ruckman Patrick Ryder for his match against West Coast duo Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.

“I thought he was outstanding Paddy,” Hird said.

“He has been really good for Carlton, Gold Coast and this week so he has got back into some good form after he missed some games from suspension.”

“They are a great combination (Cox and Naitanui) but I think Paddy did pretty well.”