PORT ADELAIDE star midfield/forward Robbie Gray is expecting a strong response from his side in this weekend’s Showdown against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
The Power is coming off a disappointing 25-point loss at home to the Western Bulldogs, having beaten ladder-leading Geelong a week earlier.
Gray says there is always motivation leading into games against the Crows, but he admits the recent record against Adelaide and the current ladder positions of both sides, means there will be plenty of feeling in Showdown XLVII.
“You really look forward to these games,” Gray told SEN SA’s Breakfast program.
“Massive crowds and a big build-up throughout the week. It’s going to be a huge game, given where we both sit on the ladder as well.
“They are coming off a loss as well. We are coming off a disappointing performance. It’s a Crows home game, so I’m sure there will be plenty of Crows fans there.
“They’ve had the wood over us lately, but we had two cracking games last year. We are really looking forward to bouncing back and putting in a strong performance this week.”
The four-time All-Australian is also expecting a swift response from co-captain Ollie Wines against Adelaide, after having a quiet game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 15.
“I think he will respond well,” Gray said.
“He had a tough game on the weekend but he wasn’t the only one. He came back in for his first game for a while the week before and played his role well against Geelong.
“Knowing Ollie (Wines) - he’s a really proud guy and he will want to bounce back on the weekend, and I’m sure he will. He’s the captain of our footy club.
“There are a number of us who need to lift. There were a few of us in the midfield who didn’t have strong games on the weekend. We need to lift as a collective.”
Gray was also asked for his thoughts on the grand final being locked to the MCG, with the three-time John Cahill Medallist being torn between an annual MCG fixture and a rotating host.
“I don’t mind the suggestion of having it moved around - obviously it isn’t going to happen anytime soon,” he said.
“How they do it in America with the Superbowl and things like that. There are plenty of amazing stadiums across Australia.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing it move around. But (on the other hand) there is nothing quite like going to the MCG.
“I don’t really know where I sit with that one to be honest.”
The Power faces the Crows in Showdown XLVII at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce commencing at 4.05pm.
