Port Adelaide legend Robbie Gray has decided to hang up the boots, with his final game coming in the Showdown against Adelaide on Saturday night.
Arguably Port Adelaide's greatest player, Gray has a long list of individual accolades and was a consistent performer on the big stage.
Known for his elusiveness 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 a five-time Showdown Medalist, with one more opportunity to add to that collection.
Debuting in Round 10 of the 2007 season, the 55th pick in the 2006 AFL Draft came across as a recognised goal kicker, joining a side that was bound for a Grand Final berth the following season.
- 270 games
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 16, 2022
- 365 goals
- Three-time John Cahill Medallist
- Four-time All-Australian
- Five Showdown Medals
Robbie Gray calls time on a glittering career, with his final game to be Saturday's Showdown. pic.twitter.com/B9B49rBhIp
Gray has won the most Showdown Medals in its history since it was introduced in 2000, leading Sam Jacobs (3), Mark Ricciuto (3), Josh Francou (3) and Travis Boak (3).
However, in 2012, the talented forward's luck would take a turn for the worst, hyper-extending his knee in round four against Collingwood and requiring a reconstruction, ruling him out for the year.
Making an extraordinary comeback and jumping quickly into the elite status, Gray showcased his immense talent which resulted in being awarded with the AFLCA Champion player of the year in 2014 and his first All-Australian jacket.
Relishing in the good luck, in 2017 Gray was struck down with testicular cancer at the end of the Power's finals campaign.
Notwithstanding another long comeback filled with angst and fear, the then 29-year-old made a miraculous recovery and was primed for a big 2018 year, ironically resulting in his fourth All-Australian.
In a statement made by the club, Gray recognised the opportunity he was given and the people he met throughout his journey.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the journey with this club," he said.
“I’ve got some amazing friends and memories that I’ll take with me forever, but it’s time for others to get their chance now.
“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches and all the volunteers and support staff that have been there along the way for me.”
Ken Hinkley acknowledged the reputation Gray has created for himself and his legacy as a part of the Port Adelaide football club.
“I said last week that in my opinion Rob has been the greatest player at our football club in the AFL era and I stick by that. His record demands that kind of recognition,” Hinkley said.
“I have never seen anyone who can make our great game look so simple, and do such difficult things with such ease.
“We have been able to count on him to deliver in the big moments and he has won so many awards and accolades, yet he remains the most humble, team-first player who focusses so much attention on making others around him better.
“He has played such a valuable role in helping develop our younger players in recent years and we’re starting to see that pay dividends.
“It’s a mark of his talent and extraordinary impact that many others have been described as the next Robbie Gray but I think it is fair to say there will never be another Robbie Gray.”
Power's last game of 2022 is against the Crows and will hope to end the year on a high, following an impressive drubbing of Essendon by 84 points.
Who's in line to replace Gray?
As hard as it is to replace a player like Gray, Port Adelaide have recruited someone in recent years that plays the game in a very similar manner.
Looking back to the 2018 Draft, the Power used their pick five on Connor Rozee.
Alike Gray, Rozee is evasive with a lot of skill with ball in hand and is damaging going forward.
The 22-year-old plays a blend between forward and midfield but has taken on more responsibility in 2022, playing through the centre.
Rozee's uncanny ability to be in the right positions, consistently hitting the scoreboard and bringing teammates into the game is comparable to Gray.
Port Adelaide fans would relish in the thought that the retirement of their number nine can almost be replaced by the young star coming through the ranks.
