PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Robbie Gray is wary of the challenge Richmond poses, especially at the MCG, but he is backing his side to respond after the disappointing loss last week.
Gray says the Tigers are a strong outfit, which looks even stronger with the inclusion of captain Trent Cotchin and three-time All-Australian Jack Riewoldt in recent weeks.
“They’ve got some players back lately,” Gray told SEN SA’s Breakfast program.
“They’ve been battling injury for the most part of the year and been able to play some really strong footy.
“Now they are starting to get a lot of that core back, a lot of their senior players and playing some really strong footy.
“We know they play the MCG really well.”
The Showdown Medallist says his team is relishing the opportunity to head back to the MCG, after a strong win at the venue against Melbourne in Round 1.
“It’s going to be another huge game for us,” Gray said.
“All games are huge now, given where we are on the ladder.
“It should be a good game but we always love going to Melbourne and playing on the MCG, it’s always a good time and something we look forward to.”
With Richmond eyeing a fourth consecutive win and the Power desperate to bounce back from an 8-8 record so far this season, Gray says the midfield battle is so important to his side.
“I think it starts with our contest work,” he said.
“I think the midfield has a pretty big impact on that. I think when we’ve played well, our midfield group has played really well.
“In our wins, I think our midfield have had really strong games so we get them started in there.”
With Port most likely having to make some forced changes this weekend, Gray says it provides a great opportunity for others who are performing well.
Matthew Broadbent was a standout in the SANFL last week, managing 38 disposals and 17 marks in the Magpies’ 30-point win over Adelaide in Port Pirie last weekend, and Gray says it is great to see him back at the club and enjoying his football.
“It’s great to see Broady back and playing some really good footy,” Gray said.
“He was amazing on the weekend which was good.
“Dan Houston was another one that missed and is a pretty important player for us.
“I’m sure he’ll be around the mark and ready to go and obviously Xavier (Duursma).”
Port faces Richmond in a huge clash at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce from 1.15pm ACST.
