Port Adelaide expects Robbie Gray to be available for JLT Cup clash against West Coast in Perth

NEW dad Robbie Gray has rebounded from testicular cancer and firming to front in Port Adelaide’s JLT Cup opener against Fremantle.

Robbie Gray chats to a young fan during Power training at Alberton Oval on Wednesday. Picture: AAP

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will be granted his Christmas wish with a healthy Robbie Gray tearing up the track and expected to front West Coast in its February 25 JLT Cup opener.

Power fitness boss Dr Ian McKeown says triple club champion Gray is ticking every box three weeks after returning to training following chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer.

“He is in a really good spot. One of the things with Robbie, it does go unsung, is he will manage what he needs as a footballer. He guides and we support his program as well,” said McKeown, who in September succeeded Darren Burgess, now at Premier League giant Arsenal.

“From the sickness point of view, he has been looking after himself incredibly well and always does.

“Physically he will be fine but we only have two JLT games which makes it difficult to manage in terms of round one.”

Gray, who himself received the perfect Christmas present when wife Annabel gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Monday, featured in competitive drills and majority of Wednesday’s training – Port’s final session for the year – but was kept out of match simulation.

“He is in the drills, it is always exciting to see Robbie in the drills. It is not something that keeps me up at all, worrying about Robbie.”

Despite Gray’s progress, Port will ease its All Australian through the JLT games against the Eagles in Perth and Crows on March 10 at Alberton Oval.

Port must plot the best path back for Gray and watch for any warning signs following the 29-year-old’s medical treatment.

Annabel and Robbie Gray with baby Aston this week. Picture: Instagram

“It is more the systemic fatigue and overall barrage it takes on your body. We are pushing everyone of our guys to the edge and we have to listen in a bit more carefully,” said McKeown.

“There are a lot of experts around me and Robbie that provide that information and action it ruthlessly.”

Melbourne recruit Jack Watts rotated through the forward 50 during a sharp session at Alberton while former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff showed he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery.

Former Geelong goalsneak Steven Motlop was restricted to laps but skipper Travis Boak appears to have overcome a badly bruised hand.

McKeown said high-profile recruits Watts and Rockliff reported to Alberton in mint condition which was crucial given the pre-Christmas workload was ramped up this year.

“There was an expectation that they came to the club in good nick and delivered on that. It has been a bit of a different year in terms of the load they have had to do before Christmas,” he said.

McKeown sent the Power squad on their sabbatical hoping they enjoy a mental “chop out” but not too much Christmas cheer.

“They have to make the right decisions and come back ready to go,” he said.