PORT ADELAIDE star Robbie Gray says his body is feeling good after a strong pre-season and he is looking forward to a big season in the club’s 150^th anniversary year.

Gray played the first half last Friday night’s intra-club at Alberton Oval, but the 31-year-old says as part of his management plan he was an excited on-looker in the second half.

“I pulled up pretty well. I didn’t play a whole lot. I came off just after half time as part of a little bit of management,” Gray said on Adelaide radio on Wednesday morning.

“I’ve been training and doing much bigger loads during the week, so I pulled up fine. We’ve been getting a heap of match-play under our belt.

“It was to get out there in more of a proper match. It was great to get to see some young guys for the first time in a match situation.

“I thought some of the young guys showed some stuff, so it’s exciting.”

The four-time All-Australian was particularly impressed with young forward Mitch Georgiades, and is expecting some senior football for the West Australian this year.

“He hasn’t missed a beat through our pre-season. He’s been able to come in and handle the workload,” Gray said.

“He hasn’t played footy for a while - I think he missed all of last year. He’s a pretty big lad and likes to jump at the footy. He’s slotted in really well.

“We think he’s going to play some footy at AFL level this year and I’m sure he’ll be in the mix for round 1.”

Gray also believes the combination of this year’s draft crop with the likes of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma makes for exciting times at Alberton.

“A couple of the other young boys were exciting,” he said.

“Dyl Williams kicked three on Friday and showed a bit. Miles Bergman and Jackson Mead (who missed the intra-club through injury) have both shown a fair bit across the pre-season.

“You put those guys with the boys we got last year and the youth at the club is really exciting.”

Charlie Dixon was a standout in Port Adelaide’s internal trial kicking four goals, and Gray said it has been great seeing the key forward being able to complete a full pre-season.

“He’s been really good,” he said.

“He had a really serious issues with the leg last year and coming back from that.

“He’s been able to put in a full pre-season and be out there which is really important for him to get some confidence back.

“He’s running really well and we are looking forward to a big year from Charlie.”

The Power will face Brisbane at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon in round 1 of the Marsh Community Series.