NewsBite

A number of players could be playing their last game for Port and the Crows, and some have already taken to the field for the last time

One of Port Adelaide’s most improved players in 2019, and one of the Power’s most underrated according to stats, could be running out for the last time in black and teal on Sunday.

Retiring Crow Richard Douglas speaks ahead of his last AFL match on Sunday

One of Port Adelaide’s most improved players in 2019, and one of the Power’s most underrated according to stats, could be running out for the last time in black and teal on Sunday.

If the AFL ladder remains the way it is come Sunday night when the home and away season wraps up, Power and Crows fans are set to say goodbye to a number of players — while for some set to, or predicted to, depart have already taken to the field for their respective clubs for the last time at AFL level.

Port usually leaves some list management decisions until after the season is completed, meaning fans of some players might be sweating.

Despite being ranked in numerous categories by Champion Data for forwards, goalsneak Sam Gray is yet to be offered a new deal by the Power.

The local lad has kicked 20 goals this season, but his 17.7 disposals per game and 11.5 uncontested possessions a game is rated as elite by the official statisticians of the AFL.

Sam Gray, yet to be offered a contract by Port, has had a good year according to Champion Data. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz
Sam Gray, yet to be offered a contract by Port, has had a good year according to Champion Data. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

His forward 50 marks, 1.2 a game, his 5.1 score involvements a game and 3.6 tackles are also considered to be above average.

The Advertiser understands that Port Adelaide has indicated to Gray that something will be offered next month, but there is increasing interest from other clubs who are surprised that the 27-year-old is yet to be re-signed.

Karl Amon has emerged as an elite wingman in 2019 but is another one who has not recommitted to the club.

Unlike Gray’s situation, Amon has been presented with a contract offer by the Power but has so far held off putting pen to paper — sparking fears that he could request a trade home to Victoria for the second-straight year.

Power coach Ken Hinkley said he believed Amon would stay.

“I’m really confident that he enjoys his time here at Port Adelaide, I would be surprised if he left but footy is full of surprises,” he said.

Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial >

The dashing Riley Bonner, ruckman Paddy Ryder and the returning Trent McKenzie are also all out of contract at the end of the season.

Sam Powell-Pepper, who has been dropped for the Dockers clash, is contracted for another year but there is speculation about a possible trade.

Already for the Crows Richard Douglas and Andy Otten have announced they won’t be playing at West Lakes next season.

And more could follow.

Despite returning to the team for the must-win game against the Western Bulldogs, it looks extremely unlikely that Alex Keath will get the contract he wants from the Crows, meaning he could be heading back to Victoria.

Alex Keath of the Crows gets the Showdown medal in May. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos/Getty Images
Alex Keath of the Crows gets the Showdown medal in May. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Fellow former Category B rookie Hugh Greenwood - who also returns to the AFL this weekend - also looks set to depart, with Hawthorn, Brisbane and the Gold Coast among others circling.

Veteran ruckman Sam Jacobs has a decision to make if he takes up an offer from GWS while David McKay and Riley Knight are both out of contract at the end of the year.

Out of the side Josh Jenkins still has two more years on his contract, but has been consistently linked with a move away if the Crows can find a taker, while injured Cam Ellis-Yolmen is also approaching the end of his contract.

WHO MIGHT GO?


PORT

Karl Amon

Has had a career-best year in 2019 but has yet to sign a contract Port have put in front of him. Requested a trade back home last year.

Paddy Ryder

Being linked with other clubs, including a potential return to former side Essendon, Ryder is just focusing on his footy at the moment. But the re-signing of youngster Peter Ladhams could mean the 2017 John Cahill Medalist looks elsewhere.

Sam Gray

One of Port’s most underrated players, Gray is yet to receive a contract offer from the Power.

Port have said one is forthcoming but other clubs are circling.

Three to four names to be added to Port Adelaide squad: Hinkley

Riley Bonner

Has established himself in the side and showed his versatility. No real talk about him leaving Port though despite no recommitment as yet.

Trent McKenzie

Back in the side after some outstanding few weeks at SANFL level the superboot has only managed one game for the Power so far.

Sam Powell-Pepper

Contracted for one more year and has played the last seven games for the Power but there speculation that Port might be willing to use the big-bodied midfielder as trade bait in the off-season.

CROWS

Alex Keath

Alex Keath on the stationary bike at Crows training. Picture: SARAH REED
Alex Keath on the stationary bike at Crows training. Picture: SARAH REED

Has finally returned to the squad after being “managed” for an ongoing ankle injury in Round 18, Keath has had a breakout year for the Crows. But Adelaide isn’t willing to match the offers Melbourne-based clubs are ready to shell out for the 27-year-old.

Sam Jacobs

Fresh off playing his 200th game Jacobs has a choice, take the one-year offer from the Crows or a two-year one from GWS.

Hugh Greenwood

Wants to stay in Adelaide but isn’t getting the contract length he wants from the Crows. Has gathered interest from Hawthorn, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Josh Jenkins

Has said he is not seeking a move away from the Crows but there is a feeling that he is set to get moved on come off-season. Is on a lucrative two-year contract though the Crows will need to find takers.

Robbo slams trade 'disgrace'

Riley Knight

Played 14 games this season but the Clare-raised forward, who played in the 2017 grand final, is out of contract at the end of the season.

David McKay

Touted as one who might be a causality as a result of an impending list shake-up by the Crows. However his speed might save him.

Richard Douglas

Announced he will leave the club, but said he was open to playing on in 2020 somewhere else. The 2010 club champion will play his 246th match against the Bulldogs.

Andy Otten

Announced his retirement this week. Set to go into coaching, possibly for the Crows at SANFL level.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen

Been out of the side with a shin injury. Rookie contract expires at the end of this year

Hugh Greenwood is getting interest from other clubs(AAP Image/Kelly Barnes)
Hugh Greenwood is getting interest from other clubs(AAP Image/Kelly Barnes)

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/a-number-of-players-could-be-playing-their-last-game-for-port-and-the-crows-and-some-have-already-taken-to-the-field-for-the-last-time/news-story/7e246fb4f7b1d1c723932f4b9f861939