Gray was named at number four in the list, which is produced before and after each season, and was only behind Joel Selwood, Nat Fyfe and Lance Franklin - an amazing effort given he wasn’t even named in Sheehan’s Top 50 list prior to the 2014 season.
Sheahan, a well-respected Herald Sun journalist and Fox Footy identity, said Gray was ‘the story of the year in terms of individuals’.
“The coaches’ pick as player of the year and understandably so…even if he crept up on a lot of us,” Sheahan said.
“Averaged 25 disposals a game, kicked 34 goals and led the competition for goal assists. Brilliant in heavy traffic.”
Gray had a breakout year and was one of the Brownlow favourites leading into the medal count, and is now starting to get the recognition he deserves around the country.
Senior coach Ken Hinkley wasn’t short of praise for Gray’s 2014 season.
“Robbie has just had an unbelievable year,” Hinkley said after the Power’s Preliminary Final loss to Hawthorn.
“He (Gray) was clearly the best player in the competition this year.”
Boak’s rating has risen sharply too, moving up to 10th spot in Sheehan’s post-season Top 50 list having been named at 26 in the pre-season list.
“A born leader, he led Port superbly, in the manner of Joel Selwood,” Sheahan said.
“He is brave, a hard worker and driven; a footballer's footballer. His elevation to captaincy was an inspired decision.”
A shock pick to many, Broadbent’s selection probably wouldn’t surprise the coaches at Alberton.
Internally at the Power, Broadbent’s value is well-respected and he is one of the first names picked on the team sheet after a breakout year in 2013 and another good year in 2014.
“He’s been a slow burn, but the increased focus on Port has alerted the rest of the football world to his importance,” Sheehan said.
“Played every game and was Port’s leading kick-getter. Given his pace and the depth in his kicking, it’s no wonder he led the rebounds from defensive 50.”
Sheahan said the Power's Jay Schulz, Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines and Hamish Hartlett were among the very unlucky ones to miss out on the list.
Mike Sheahan’s Top 50 for the 2014 season
1. Joel Selwood (Geelong)
2. Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
3. Lance Franklin (Sydney)
4. Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
5. Gary Ablett (Gold Coast)
6. Josh Kennedy (Sydney)
7. Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
8. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
9. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)
10. Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
11. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
12. Eric Mackenzie (West Coast)
13. Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
14. Luke Parker (Sydney)
15. Matt Priddis (West Coast)
16. Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)
17. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
18. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
19. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
20. Tom Rockliff (Brisbane)
21. Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
22. Shane Mumford (GWS)
23. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
24. Callan Ward (GWS)
25. Pearce Hanley (Brisbane)
26. Nick Malceski (Sydney)
27. Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)
28. Daniel Talia (Adelaide)
29. Cale Hooker (Essendon)
30. Matthew Broadbent (Port Adelaide)
31. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
32. Alex Rance (Richmond)
33. Dayne Beams (Collingwood)
34. Dustin Martin (Richmond)
35. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
36. David Mundy (Fremantle)
37. Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
38. Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)
39. Nick Smith (Sydney)
40. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
41. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
42. Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)
43. Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
44. Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
45. David Swallow (Gold Coast)
46. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
47. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)
48. Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle)
49. Nick Dal Santo (North Melbourne)
50. Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
