ROBBIE Gray has endured far more pain than most in order to reach his 100-game milestone, but the gifted Port Adelaide forward does not have time to reflect.
As well as hip, calf, groin and ankle issues, Gray also missed games through the removal of his appendix and then there was that sickening knee injury.
With under a minute to go in the Power's 2012 round four clash against Collingwood, Gray jumped for a one-handed mark.
His right knee buckled upon landing, bending close to 75 degrees in a direction human limbs are not supposed to go.
Many questioned whether the forward would again reach the level he was at prior to the injury, but they been served copious slices of humble pie by the 26-year-old.
Gray managed 20 of 24 games in his comeback season last year and has featured prominently in each of the Power's nine games in 2014, ranking equal second in the AFL for goal assists (11).
He's averaging a career-high 23 disposals a game this year - a remarkable achievement that reflects his determination.
Gray will line up for his 100th AFL game on Saturday against Melbourne. He is proud of the milestone but said it wouldn't fully sink in until later in life.
"It's a great honour to play 100 games for this great footy club. It's taken a little while to get there I suppose but happy it's here and very happy to get my name on the locker," Gray said.
"I've had my ups and downs through my career through injury and that sort of thing. [But the club has] been great to me so I'm really looking forward to Saturday."
The Power will be without at least one and maybe two of its stars in Alice Springs, with Hamish Hartlett ruled out through suspension and forward Angus Monfries trying to overcome an ankle injury.
Should Monfries fail to recover in time, Gray said there were at least six players in the SANFL who were capable of playing regular senior football.
Both Kane Mitchell and Ben Newton have already earned AFL call-ups after solid SANFL form and Cam O'Shea, Tom Logan and Paul Stewart have also pushed their cases.
"It's not ideal, but we've got great guys playing good footy at the Magpies [and] have been doing so all year," he said.
"There's probably been six to eight guys who have been in really solid form all year that could probably come in.
"A couple of guys have already come in at different times already this year…whoever Kenny [Hinkley] decides to pick we've got great faith in them to be able to do the job."
Gray happy to reach century
Robbie Gray says he's looking forward to his milestone game on Sunday.