PORT ADELAIDE regrets to announce that Robbie Gray has been withdrawn from its squad for tonight’s inaugural AFLX tournament at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Head of High Performance, Ian McKeown, says Gray reported a sore adductor after training yesterday.

“We assessed him again this morning and, given the time of year and his importance for the season ahead, we decided not to risk him tonight,” McKeown said.

General Manager of Football, Chris Davies, says off-season signing Jack Watts will replace Gray as captain.

“Jack’s really excited by the opportunity,” Davies said.

“It’s a unique honour for him to be captaining Port Adelaide in his first official game wearing our jumper.

“Jack is the most experienced player in our AFLX squad and has demonstrated leadership skills across his first pre-season here at the club so he is a logical replacement for Robbie.”

Four other players have been withdrawn from the extended squad the Power announced on Monday.

Tom Clurey, Todd Marshall, Jasper Pittard and Trent McKenzie won’t play tonight but, like Gray, are still in the selection frame for Port Adelaide’s opening JLT game against West Coast at Perth’s Leederville Oval on Sunday week.

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