ROBBIE GRAY is the second senior player – and Victorian – to commit to Port Adelaide with an additional one-year playing agreement.
He has signed until the end of the 2019 season - following the example set on Monday by Power captain Travis Boak, whose identical extension will mean the pair next come out of contract when they are each 31 years old.
Gray’s signing is significant – having just become the first man to win back-to-back John Cahill Medals and All-Australian selections.
With two stellar seasons, the only way is up for the man who only three years ago was ruled out for an entire season with a horrific ACL injury.
Gray, like Boak, plans to finish his career as a single club player.
"I know how lucky I am to be part of Port Adelaide, so to be a one-club player at this great club would be sensational,” Gray told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“It was only a few seasons ago when I injured my knee that I wondered how I’d come back - or if I’d make it back - so to see the club where it is and to have my body sound is really pleasing.
“I just want to keep working as hard as I can with this great group of players to see how far we can go.”
Good guess by Power ambassador
A tricky clue of a boat race in England was posted as the cryptic clue to Gray’s contract announcement on Monday night.
But for magician and Port Adelaide ambassador Matt Tarrant, it wasn’t cryptic enough.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a man who makes a living creating elaborate ruses would see through one woven by portadelaidefc.com.au.
ANSWER: Here’s the answer to Monday night’s second clue
Club at heart
Gray’s new contract continues a run of Christmas-themed player signings as ‘gifts’ to the Power supporter base.
To have two senior players commit to the Power is something that excites Port Adelaide’s coach Ken Hinkley.
“Robbie has worked so hard to improve his game and his fitness so he can become the best player he can be,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“It’s a credit to him, the way he’s managed to get his body right and play the great football he has.
“I look forward to Robbie helping to drive the group along with the rest of our senior players over the years ahead.”
More to come...
Port Adelaide has now made two Christmas announcements, with more to be 'unwrapped' in the coming days.
Wednesday's announcement will be made on portadelaidefc.com.au at 11:30am (ACDT).
A clue to Port Adelaide's third announcement will appear on portadelaidefc.com.au at 6:00pm on Tuesday night.
Robbie Gray bio
Drafted 2006 National Draft, Pick No. 55 (Oakleigh Chargers)
Career Games 136
Career Goals 186
Career highlights
All-Australian (2014, 2015)
John Cahill Medal (2014, 2015)
AFL Coaches' Association Champion Player of the Year (2014)
Showdown Medal (Round 5, 2015)
Port Adelaide most improved (2009)
Brownlow Medal votes (42 votes)
