Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray calls time on sensational career

Port Adelaide legend Robbie Gray has decided to hang up his football boots. His final game comes in Saturday night’s showdown against Adelaide.

Arguably Port Adelaide’s greatest player, Gray has a long list of individual accolades and has been a consistent performer on the big stage.

Known for his outrageousness and creativity, the 34-year-old is a three-time John Cahill medalist (Port Adelaide best-and-fairest), four-time All Australian (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018) and five-time Showdown medalist, with another opportunity to expand this collection.

In Round 10 of the 2007 season, the 55th pick in the 2006 AFL Draft made his debut as a recognized goalscorer and joined a side that would go on to contend for a Grand Final berth the following season.

– 270 games
– 365 goals
– Triple John Cahill Medalist
– Four-time All-Australian
– Five Showdown Medals

Robbie Gray ends a brilliant career with his last game being Saturday’s showdown. pic.twitter.com/B9B49rBhIp

— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 16, 2022

Gray has won the most Showdown medals in its history since its inception in 2000, led by Sam Jacobs (3), Mark Ricciuto (3), Josh Francou (3) and Travis Boak (3).

In 2012, however, the talented striker’s luck took a turn for the worse when he hyperextended his knee in round four against Collingwood and required a reconstruction, ruling him out for the year.

Gray made an extraordinary comeback and quickly jumped to elite status. He demonstrated his immense talent which resulted in him being named 2014 AFLCA Champion of the Year and his first all-Australian jacket.

Gray was lucky in 2017 and developed testicular cancer at the end of the Power’s final campaign.

Despite another lengthy comeback riddled with fear and anxiety, the then 29-year-old miraculously recovered and was set for a big 2018 that ironically resulted in his fourth straight Aussie.

In a statement from the club, Gray acknowledged the opportunity he was given and the people he met along the way.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my journey with this club,” he said.

“I have some great friends and memories that I will take with me forever, but now it’s time for others to get their chance.

“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches and all the volunteers and support staff who have been there for me along the way.”

Ken Hinkley paid tribute to the reputation Gray has built for himself and his legacy as part of Port Adelaide Football Club.

“I said last week that I think Rob was the greatest player at our football club in the AFL era and I stand by that. His record calls for that kind of recognition,” Hinkley said.

“I’ve never seen anyone who can make our great game look so easy and do such difficult things with such ease.

“We could count on him to deliver in the big moments and he’s won so many awards and accolades but he remains the most humble team first player with so much attention focused on bettering others around him make.

“He’s played such a valuable role in the development of our younger players over the last few years and we’re starting to see that paying off.

“It is a testament to his talent and extraordinary impact that many have been dubbed the next Robbie Gray, but I think it’s fair to say there will never be another Robbie Gray.”

Power’s final game of 2022 is against the Crows and hopes to end the year on a high after an impressive 84-point dash against Essendon.

Who should replace Grey?

As hard as it is to replace a player like Gray, Port Adelaide have recruited someone to play the game in a very similar way in recent years.

Looking back at the 2018 draft, the Power used their pick five against Connor Rozee.

Like Gray, Rozee dodges ball-in-hand with great skill and damages up front.

The 22-year-old plays a mix of forward and midfield but has taken on more responsibility in 2022 and plays through the middle.

Rozee’s uncanny ability to find himself in the right positions, consistently hit the scoreboard and get teammates into play is on par with Gray.

Port Adelaide fans would be delighted to remember that the retirement of their number nine could almost be replaced by the rise of the young star.