Fit Gray burning up track for Port

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will be granted his Christmas wish: a healthy Robbie Gray is tearing up the track and expected to face West Coast in Port’s February 25 JLT Cup opener.

Power fitness boss Ian McKeown said triple club champion Gray was ticking every box three weeks after returning to training from chemotherapy for testicular cancer.

“He is in a really good spot,” he said.

“One of the things with Robbie, it does go unsung, is he will manage what he needs as a footballer. He guides and we support his program as well.”

McKeown in September succeeded Darren Burgess, who is now at Premier League giant Arsenal.

“From the sickness point of view [Gray] has been looking after himself incredibly well and always does,” he said. “Physically he will be fine but we only have two JLT games, which makes it difficult to manage in terms of Round 1.”

Gray featured in competitive drills and most of yesterday’s training — Port’s final session for the year — but was kept out of match simulation.

“He is in the drills,” the fitness coach said.

“It is always exciting to see Robbie in the drills. It is not something that keeps me up at all, worrying about Robbie.”

Despite Gray’s progress, Port will ease its All-Australian through the JLT games against the Eagles in Perth and Crows on March 10 at Alberton Oval.

Port must plot the best path back for Gray, 29, and watch for warning signs.

“It is more the systemic fatigue and overall barrage it takes on your body. We are pushing every one of our guys to the edge and we have to listen in a bit more carefully,” McKeown said.