Port Adelaide's Sam Gray could up his value on Magarey Medal night

Mid-fielder Sam Gray is set to be one of the most sought after players in the competition this off-season.

Sam Gray in the SANFL match between Port Adelaide and Central at Alberton Oval. Picture: Simon Cross

SAM Gray is already the hottest property in the SANFL but his value could explode on Magarey Medal night.

A Sunday Mail analysis of the main contenders for Tuesday's count has the Port Adelaide midfielder edging Norwood's Mat Suckling and Central District's James Boyd for the SANFL's highest individual honour.

Gray is set to be one of the most sought after players in the competition this off-season because of the changes to the way the Magpies are constituted.

The most he can earn as a Port top-up player is $400 a game - a mere pittance to what he'll command on the open market.

"Obviously there will be some big offers put to him," Magpies coach Ken McGregor said.

"We'd do anything we could to keep him but realistically our backs are against the wall a little bit."

Port's best chance of keeping Gray at Alberton is for the Power to draft him - or place him on the rookie list.

McGregor said there was AFL interest in the Eyre Peninsula product, who trained with the Power in the lead-up to this season.

"From what I've heard there's a fair bit of interest," McGregor said.

"I think he's a really good chance of at least getting rookie-listed.

"He's been a fantastic player for us. He's got that much skill and talent ... he's a bit too good for this league.

"I hope there's better things waiting for him."

Gray, 21, would be the youngest winner of the Magarey since Brett Ebert won as a 19 year old in 2003.

He will most probably need to poll votes in Magpies losses, given the side finished in sixth position with an 8-12 record. But Gray was a clear favourite at $4.50 when Sportsbet closed its market after round 23.

Suckling, an inside midfielder in his third season at The Parade, is expected to lead the way in a Norwood side which finished four games clear in top spot.

Boyd, who polled eight more votes than last year's dual winners Brad Symes and Joel Cross but was ineligible, has a decent chance of making amends this year.

Other contenders include AFL-listed Redlegs Matt Thomas and Mitch Grigg, and West Adelaide midfielders Chris Schmidt, Travis Tuck and Ben Macreadie.

Eagles veteran Scott Lewis is ineligible but could poll as many as 17 votes.