Gray, the club’s 2013 best and fairest and Magarey Medal runner-up and senior defender Raikiwasa are both significant signings to what will be a very new-look League side.
From 2014, Port Adelaide’s senior SANFL side, the Magpies, will comprise of the club’s AFL players who are injury-free and not selected for duties at the game’s highest level.
It will also feature players selected from an exclusive SANFL-only pool of up to 15 candidates.
Surjan to coach Academy side
Gray and Raikiwasa will form part of that group and will be eligible to play at both League and Reserves level in 2014 as dictated by the needs of the uppermost SANFL team.
It is a significant announcement for the club, having retained its most prolific star from the most recent SANFL season in Gray and one of its 2013 leadership group members in Raikiwasa.
Three other players have also committed to the club’s League pool and will be confirmed at a later date.
SANFL senior coach Garry Hocking told portadelaidefc.com.au Gray and Raikiwasa’s signings were a crucial first step toward forming a successful League team for 2014.
“It’s good to be able to announce these signings and both Sam and ‘Bobby’ will add a lot to our footy club next year,” said Hocking.
“They’re both talented footballers and I think our supporters will welcome both of them committing to our club.
“What’s also encouraging is the number of others who have indicated their intent to train with us during the pre-season. We'll make a further call on the other 13 players (for the SANFL pool) and our Academy side at a later date."
For Gray and Raikiwasa, the chance to stay in the Port Adelaide stable next year is a welcome one.
Gray is looking to maintain his midfield role from 2013.
“It’s great to be back on board with the Maggies for next year,” Gray told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I grew up supporting them and its great to be staying with them.
“I’ve met with Buddha (Hocking) a few times to discuss where my role might be and hopefully there might be some leadership opportunities as well.
“It’s also good to have a few mates who are looking to sign on. It should make for a good year.”
One club, One portadelaidefc.com.au
Raikiwasa says the opportunity to learn as part of an elite development environment was the key to him comitting to the club.
“This is the best opportunity for me to further my footy and learn a lot of new skills from the best in the business, even if I’m not drafted," he said.
“It seems like Buddha might look to move me through a few different areas so we’ll wait and see, but I’d expect to spend most of my time down back.
“It’s good to sign on again and pre-season should be pretty exciting.”
Port Adelaide will confirm the rest of its SANFL playing list during the 2013/14 pre-season.
Sam Gray profile
DOB: 1 Feburary 1992 (Age 21)
Height: 176cm
Weight: 75kg
Recruited from: Rudall
League debut: 2009 Round 23 v Sturt
Games: 68
Goals: 64
Awards: 2013 A.R. McLean Medallist, 2013 Best Team Man, 2009 Under-18 Most Promising
Aseri Raikiwasa profile
DOB: 18 April 1993 (Age 20)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 95kg
Recruited from: Ports
League debut: 2012 Round 7 v West Adelaide
Games: 33
Goals: 2
Awards: 2010 Under-18 Most Improved, 2012 Best First Year Player
