Port coach Ken Hinkley has selection headaches most coaches would dream of late season
Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray says coach Ken Hinkley has plenty to think about at selection, with defender Ryan Burton close to a return and pressure from in form players in the SANFL.
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Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray says the club is in an enviable position, boasting an in-form and healthy list at right time of year, as it charges towards finals.
Defender Ryan Burton is expected to be available for senior selection for this weekend’s clash with North Melbourne while Scott Lycett pushed his claims for a recall with a strong SANFL performance last weekend.
“The boys are all in really good form, we have our main session today (Wednesday) and we’re hopeful he’s (Burton) able to get through and put his hand up,’’ Gray said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“He’s shown this year he’s a really valuable player for us.
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“It’s been four weeks but he ran pretty well last week and I’d say he’d be putting his hand up,’’ he said.
Gray said coach Ken Hinkley faced a problem many would dream of deep in the season.
“He’s (Hinkley) made some touch call throughout the year (at selection), but I think all the guys who have gone back to SANFL have played some really strong footy,’’ Gray added.
“There are a number of guys in good form putting heaps of pressure on the ALF side and that’s what you want,’’ he said.
West Coast 2018 Premiership ruckman Scott Lycett had 30 disposals and 30 hit-outs in the SANFL last weekend and Gray said they were in an enviable position with three in-form big man with a host of rival clubs struggling for big men.
“No doubt it would be tough for Scotty,’’ Gray added.
“Whatever mix the coaches decide to go with in the next few weeks, someone is going to be pretty unlucky.
“We’re pretty lucky to have three quality ruckman playing such good footy, some clubs out there are struggling for one and we’re in a fortunate position,’’ he said.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Tuesday Port Adelaide will wear the prison bar jumper twice during their 150 year celebrations in 2020.
McLachlan said the AFL had helped broker the deal between Port and Collingwood that will see the Power wear their traditional jumper in both showdowns against cross town rivals Adelaide.
“They will wear it in the Showdowns next year in their 150th year,’’ said on 3AW Sportsday radio.
“My understanding is the agreement between Collingwood and Port is it’s for next year only.
“There is an agreement in place, you have to honour those agreements, unless Collingwood, who’s the other side to it, want to change it,’’ he said.