Port's Gray to face Gold Coast - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Port's Gray to face Gold Coast

Steve Larkin 22/04/2011 03:20:15 PM Comments (0)

Port Adelaide dynamo Robbie Gray has survived a fitness test and will front AFL newcomers Gold Coast on Saturday.

For the second week in a row, Gray had to prove his fitness to Port coaching staff on the eve of a game as he struggles with a leg injury.

Power coach Matthew Primus said Gray was deemed fit after completing a 45-minute training session at Alberton Oval on Friday.

"He got through this morning no worries, so unless he pulls up significantly worse tomorrow morning, he's no worries at all," Primus said.

The Power replaced Paul Stewart (knee) with utility Jason Davenport for their AAMI Stadium encounter with Gold Coast.

The Suns, bolstered by the return of captain Gary Ablett, have lost their three matches by an average 93 points but Primus was wary of considering them easybeats.

"In their first game, they got blown away," Primus said.

"The second game they were very good in a lot of areas against the Bulldogs even though the scoreboard didn't show it.

"And we watched their first quarter against Melbourne which they were good, and then the third quarter they were good, so we understand they have got some quality players and the more they play with each other, the better they are going to get.

"So we understand they are going to be better this week than what they were last week and we have to make sure we stamp our authority on the game early."

The Suns lost defender Michael Coad (hamstring) and Dion Prestia (soreness), while omitting Maverick Weller and Alik Magin.

Returning with Ablett are Sam Iles, Harley Bennell and Jack Hutchins for a Saturday afternoon fixture which will challenge Port's ability to draw a crowd.

"It's not ideal," Primus said of the timing of the match.

"We know our supporters, I don't think Saturday afternoon is the greatest time slot for them and for us.

"All we can do is ask for as many fans that are in town to come along and support us."

Coming after Port broke through for their first victory of the season against Adelaide last week, Primus said the Gold Coast would offer a test for his players who were expected to win handsomely.

"It's just another test to make sure their attitude and professionalism is spot on," he said.

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