A knee injury to Paul Stewart has all but assured Robbie Gray will play his first AFL game of the season against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser
THE door has been opened for Robbie Gray to return to the Port Adelaide side.
Rookie revelation Kane Mitchell's cruel demotion back to the rookie list and a knee injury to forward Paul Stewart has all but assured Gray will play his first AFL game of the season against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
The Power yesterday ruled out placing Brett Ebert (adductor) on the long-term injury list to keep Mitchell on its primary list, meaning the small running machine will play for Woodville-West Torrens against Norwood on Friday night.
A senior-listed player must be ruled out for eight weeks to be replaced by a rookie.
Nick Salter's return from a serious foot injury has left Mitchell in the wilderness. Ebert cannot be placed on the long-term injury list as he is due back in five weeks following adductor surgery.
"It's really unfortunate for Kane that he can't play this week but that's the rules," Port coaching director Alan Richardson said.
"We have no option but to return him to the rookie list. Hopefully he will play well in the SANFL and when another (AFL) opportunity arises for him he is ready to take it."
Last year's Sandover Medallist Mitchell has played in the Power's three wins to open the season - its best start since 2004 when it went on to win its only AFL premiership. Mature-age pick-up Mitchell, 23, has started as a sub in each game but has impressed with his pace and ballwinning ability when thrust into the contest.
Mitchell played a key role in the Power's second half comeback, gathering 12 disposals and having four score involvements.
Coach Ken Hinkley singled him out for praise after the game, describing his contribution as a sub as significant.
"We certainly don't want an injury to another player but we know we've got a player ready to go if we do happen to get an injury," Hinkley said of Mitchell.
Team-mate Campbell Heath said the players "definitely feel for Kane" after he was ruled ineligible to play against the Suns.
"He's probably stiff to be going back (to the rookie list) but that's football, I suppose," Heath said. "But he knows he's up there and he can play AFL now and he'll go back (to the SANFL), keep doing what he's been doing and hopefully get another opportunity later in the season."
Stewart was yesterday cleared of any structural damage to the knee which forced him out of the Showdown at half-time. He has a nasty cork at the back of the knee and is rated a 50-50 chance to play against Gold Coast.
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