Hinkley declares Gray ready to go

Ken Hinkley says he is tempted to play small forward Robbie Gray because of his class but is mindful of not rushing him back. Picture: Michael Klein Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has declared Robbie Gray ready for an AFL return.

Gray, out since April 21 last year after undergoing a knee reconstruction, dominated a SANFL reserves trial with the Port Magpies on Thursday night to give Hinkley food for thought as he finalises his 22 for the round one Easter clash with Melbourne.

"Robbie's ready, there's no doubt that Robbie's absolutely ready to go at AFL level,'' Hinkley said.

"He had 24 or 25 possessions (against Glenelg) and kicked three goals but the main thing is that Robbie looks really confident.''

Gray, who suffered an horrific knee injury in the round four clash with Collingwood last year, played three quarters against the Bays after managing a half in his comeback match the previous week with West Adelaide.

Hinkley says he is tempted to play small forward Gray because of his class but is mindful of not rushing him back.

"For us it's about the timing for Robbie,'' he said.

"It (his return) will be very, very soon. Will it be possible for round one? That's something we will consider but we will be a little bit measured in our approach.''

Port is likely to err on the side of caution with Gray, particularly as most of its squad is up and running this pre-season and performed well in the NAB Cup and its final trial match against premier Sydney.

Several other Power players made successful returns from injury in SANFL trials.

Former captain Dom Cassisi (calf), forwards Brett Ebert (hamstring) and Cameron Hitchcock (foot), ruckman Brent Renouf (knee) and defender Tom Logan (patella tendonitis) came through unscathed after returning from off-season injuries.

However, none of them are likely to have done enough work to prompt Hinkley to pick them against the Dees.

"They all got through well and have pulled up fine but we'll play a really fit side,'' senior Port assistant coach Alan Richardson said

"Their names will certainly come into the conversation at match committee but we do have to consider just whether they have done enough work.''

Port refuses to rule key forward John Butcher out of contention for round one, despite a greenstick fracture in his right wrist sidelining him on the weekend.

But a lack of pre-season action is also likely to see him resume through the SANFL.

Hinkley described his playing list as being in great shape after a pre-season of being "pushed mentally and physically to new limits'' by fitness coach Darren Burgess.

"We've got a young squad which can mean some ups and downs but it doesn't mean you can't be successful,'' Hinkley said of the club's hopes for 2013.

"This club has been knocked around a bit and rightly so but for us to have a really positive NAB Cup was important purely for the confidence within the group.''

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