Port Adelaide swoops on Magarey Medal runner-up Sam Gray
PORT Adelaide is likely to select Magarey Medal runner-up Sam Gray on its AFL rookie list.
PORT Adelaide wants Magarey Medal runner-up Sam Gray.
It is understood the Power has all but made a commitment to select the talented midfielder at this month's AFL rookie draft.
Gray, who was favourite for this year's Magarey Medal before being upstaged by former Power midfielder Matt Thomas, has been invited to train with Port when it resumes training on November 18.
The 21-year-old was believed to be close to switching from the Port Magpies to Woodville-West Torrens before being told of his likely AFL selection by the Power.
"We haven't made a final commitment to Sam but there's every chance we'll look at taking him with a rookie pick,'' Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said.
"He's committed to train with us and we think he has some very good qualities which will stand him in good stead at the next level.
"But there's a bit of water to go under the bridge yet.''
This year's rookie and pre-season drafts will be held earlier than usual on November 27 - just six days after the national draft.
Rohde suggested the 176cm Gray, who is dangerous around goal, could have several AFL suitors, leaving the club to play a cat-and-mouse game with him.
It is possible Gray could even be selected with a late national draft pick.
Gray trained with the Power prior to last year's draft before being overlooked.
He is an even better player this time around, having enjoyed a standout season with the Magpies and earning selection in the The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.
Rohde said Port would have "four or five'' SANFL players train with the club before the national draft but was still finalising the list.
Meanwhile, two of Gray's Magpies teammates, Kory Beard and Zane Kirkwood, are understood to be close to signing with Sturt.
Like Gray, the pair were selected in The Advertiser Team of the Year and would represent recruiting coups for the Double Blues.
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