THE 2016 election was characterised by the "Nick Xenophon effect" in SA, according to Flinders University adjunct professor of politics Haydon Manning, creating a "scare" for Grey incumbent Liberal Rowan Ramsey.
The Liberals have held the seat of Grey since 1993, ending a multi-decade run by Labor, and is categorised a "safe" Liberal seat, even with the inclusion of some of the former seat of Wakefield.
But in 2016 there was a 12.9 per cent swing against Mr Ramsey, with Nick Xenophon Team candidate Andrea Broadfoot - standing again for the rebadged Centre Alliance - picking up 48pc of the votes on a two-candidate preferred result.
Dr Manning said much of that success was built on the NXT name.
"Nick Xenophon spent so much time in Whyalla, talking about jobs in steel - his presence was really obvious," he said. "When we've taken that out of the equation, where do those votes go?
"Xenophon had really registered in the consciousness of SA. With that gone and the new name Centre Alliance, the impact is not clear."
Dr Manning said the Labor party, represented by Karin Bolton, could "take advantage" of that absence.
"But I can't see them running a close race - it is a conservative electorate and (Labor leader) Bill Shorten is running on a reform platform," he said.
Dr Manning said minor parties and independents could also have an impact on voting patterns, in particular with the name recognition of the Clive Palmer-led United Australia Party and Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
Candidates vie for seat of Grey
ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
Jacqui Edgecombe is a professional musician who has been involved in the animal protection movement since 2012.
AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
Karin Bolton is a social worker living in Whyalla. She has experience working in her family's transport business.
PAULINE HANSON'S ONE NATION
David Stone is an ex-military truck driver.
INDEPENDENT
Richard Carmody is from Cowell originally but has spent the past 20 years living in Whyalla. He is an engineer and teacher, with most of his career spent working analysing the data generated by the processing plants at various mines across Grey.
UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY
Alexander Warren grew up on a cattle property in the 1960s and became a registered builder in 1983. He is an advocate for workers' rights.
LIBERAL
Rowan Ramsey is a former Kimba-region farmer, first elected to Grey in 2007. He has chaired a number of Standing Committees and is especially proud of our new food labelling system depicting Australian content which originated from his committee work. He holds the position of Government Whip and convenes the Rural and Regional Liberal Caucus.
CENTRE ALLIANCE
Andrea Broadfoot was born and raised in Port Pirie and spent her life living and working in regional SA across the electorate of Grey. She lives in Port Lincoln where she operates a national consultancy firm.
THE GREENS
Candace Champion is an Aboriginal woman living in Port Augusta who is passionate about protecting local heritage, including the Bight, and stopping the nuclear waste dump in SA.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
