WATCH Robbie Gray on PTV above

EXCITING Port Adelaide forward/midfielder Robbie Gray has signed a contract extension with the club.

This comes just a month after club captain Dom Cassisi and young leader Hamish Hartlett also re-committed to Port Adelaide.

Gray, 24, has played 70 games for the Power kicking 104 goals since debuting in 2007. He was originally recruited to Alberton via a fourth round selection (pick no. 55 overall) at the 2006 AFL National Draft.

Gray impressed last season when he finished fourth in the club best and fairest award, topped the goal kicking list and led the club in contested possessions.

Unfortunately, Gray’s 2012 season has been curtailed by injury after he landed awkwardly and seriously injured his right knee in the final minute of the Power’s Round 4 clash against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. He will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery last week to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Despite his injury, Port Adelaide senior coach Matthew Primus says he is thrilled that Gray has re-signed with the Power and the club was always going to stand by him.

“Robbie is obviously a very good player who has a lot to offer and who is very popular amongst the playing group, so we’re delighted that he’s re-committed to the footy club,” said Primus.

“In relation to his knee injury, we’ve got great confidence that he will make a successful return and we look forward to getting him back on the park next year and working his way back to some form and fitness.

“We have great faith in Robbie and had no hesitation in standing by him and supporting him on his journey back from injury. We still see him as being an integral part of our future and it’s going to be great to have him here for the long-term.”

Gray says he had no hesitation in re-committing to Port Adelaide and is thankful for the faith that the club has shown in him.

“With the injury and not being able to play for the rest of the year it’s good to get the contract sorted out now and great that the club has faith in me,” said Gray.

“I’ve been in talks with the club for a while and I’m delighted that I can now concentrate on my rehab and I can’t wait to get back and represent the club.

“The club has been outstanding since I did my knee through their support and belief in me.”

Gray says he’s confident with the direction of the club under the guidance of senior coach Matthew Primus and that was a major factor in his desire to stay at Alberton.

“The club has shown a lot of improvement already this year and that improvement will continue over the next few years as our young group gets more games under its belt. I believe the club will be in a very good place in a couple of years and I look forward to being a part of that,” said Gray.