Port expects key performers Robbie Gray and Jack Watts to star in AFLX next week

PORT Adelaide expects Robbie Gray to play his first game since overcoming cancer and former Demon top draft pick Jack Watts his first game for the Power as the AFLX arrives at Hindmarsh Stadium next Thursday night.

AFLX — Launch at Hindmarsh Stadium: Port players Sam Gray and Karl Amon and Crows players Jordan Gallucci and Rory Atkins — along with performers Miss Sparkle and acrobat Ryan Divett. Picture: Sarah Reed

PORT Adelaide expects Robbie Gray to play his first game since overcoming cancer and former Demon top draft pick Jack Watts his first game for the Power as the AFLX arrives at Hindmarsh Stadium next Thursday night.

The two are expected to be joined in the abbreviated football format by speedy types such as Karl Amon, Sam Gray, Dom Barry and Aidyn Johnson.

The club has put extra training into the seven-a-side format, in which each team also has unlimited use of a three-man interchange over two 10-minute halves.

Squads for the tournament have been increased from 12 to 20 to lighten the load on the players, who are expected to be running at close to full speed for much of the matches.

“It’s exciting; we’ve done a fair bit of it at training over the past three or four weeks and the boys are looking forward to it,” Sam Gray said. “With no stoppages it’s pretty fast and you do get pretty buggered at times.

“Guys like Robbie Gray and Jack Watts will be playing and myself and Karl are in the mix but they haven’t really named a team yet so we’ll probably find out next week to see who have got through the intraclub.”

But Sam Gray said there was also a bigger carrot on offer as the AFL completes three AFLX tournaments next week.

Port players Sam Gray and Karl Amon get set for AFLX next week. Picture: Sarah Reed

With the large influx of players on Port Adelaide’s list, there will be a premium on spots for Round 1.

“I think pressure is good though,” Gray said. “Everybody’s come back to training in good nick and trying to get a spot.

“These next few weeks are really important, to play in this and the JLT series. But pressure for spots is good for us.”

Amon, whose pace and skills seem ideal for the game, said the Hindmarsh tournament would also allow Port’s players to gel with the players who arrived at the club over summer.

Facing opposition players would also bring an edge to the night.

“Over the past couple of months we’ve been playing against ourselves so it’s a really good opportunity to go out and play against different clubs,” Amon said.

“And try to play our game style.

“It’s obviously a square field but to go out there and have a hitout against a different opposition (is a bonus).

“I’m pretty sure Jack Watts will be playing so it’s all about building those relationships with those new teammates.

“This is just another opportunity to go out and practise that.”

Originally published as Port expects key performers Robbie Gray and Jack Watts to star in AFLX next week