On Friday, a Melbourne newspaper claimed Gray had signed off on a two-year contract extension with the Power, extinguishing any prospects of the talented 22-year-old making a return to Victoria.
Port Adelaide is hopeful Gray’s decision to stay at Alberton will help the club secure a second big-name signature, that of gun midfielder Travis Boak.
Boak, who shares a house with Gray, is being courted by several clubs in his native Victoria and has put off contract negotiations until at least mid-season.
Gray has emerged as one of the Power’s most promising young prospects over the past 18 months.
Last year he finished equal fourth in the club’s best and fairest and also took out the award for most improved player.
He booted five goals in a Showdown medal-winning performance against Adelaide in round six and is ranked third in Port Adelaide’s goalkicking (10 goals), despite missing the first three games of the season through injury.
Coach Mark Williams said he would be pleased when Gray finally put pen to paper.
"Robbie is a real important player for us going forward,” he said on Friday.
“His body is improving each year, so we are really confident that he can be a 10- to 12-year player for us. He started in the forward line and now we are really confident he is going to be a major player through the centre square and in the forward line.”
Boak has also enjoyed a good start to the season, despite attracting more attention from opposition players.
The skilful 21-year-old is considered future captaincy material at Port Adelaide and Williams said he was confident Boak would follow in Gray’s footsteps and re-sign with the club.
“Robbie has great connections with Boaky so if you get one, you will probably get the other,” Williams said.
"They are very comfortable with the understanding and development they are getting at Port Adelaide. Trav will still make his own decisions. He's his own man but he and Robbie are very good friends.”
