Team Lift Needed For Robbie
Travis Boak says the entire Port Adelaide team must lift in order to combat the loss of Robbie Gray
PORT Adelaide star Travis Boak says his whole side has to lift to cover the loss of Robbie Gray, after the forward underwent a traditional knee reconstruction on Monday night.
Gray will miss the remainder of the 2012 season and, despite the Power having more depth than it has had in the past, Boak said the responsibility to fill Gray's shoes wouldn't rest with an individual.
"It's obviously a big loss having Robbie out, but I don't think it's up to one or two, it's definitely up to the whole team," he said.
"It's just for all of us to stand up now, this week's a pretty important game for us and we really need to get the win."
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Boak seconded captain Dom Cassisi's prediction that Aaron Young could come into contention for Sunday's Showdown against the Crows, while also pointing to David Rodan as a player who could come back into the side.
Gray was a rarity at the Power - one of the side's only players capable of walking into the starting 22 of most other AFL sides.
But Boak said the development of several young players, as well as the emergence of some potential stars meant the side had the depth of class to allow it to move forward.
"I'd probably say we've got a fair few (A-graders)," he said.
"I think we've seen Hamish Hartlett come along over the last few years and Jackson's (Trengove) already had a great start to the year… then we've got the young guys coming through like Chad Wingard.
"I don't think you can win premierships just on one champion player…we're not a team of champions, we're actually a really good team and a good group and we're building towards success."
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Boak admitted he and teammate Cameron O'Shea will fill an important role off the field in support of Gray.
The pair live with Gray and Boak said they would now have to wait on him hand and foot.
"His girlfriend's over at the moment as well and I'm sure she'll help out, and me and Cam will be there for him," Boak said.
The Power trained at The Royal Australian Air Force's base in Adelaide on Tuesday and were put through a weapons training session in the afternoon.
While the players won't be allowed to take any of the equipment they used to AAMI Stadium on Sunday, Boak said his side would take a lot out of the visit to the military base.
"It definitely makes our job sound a little bit easier," Boak said.
"I think we can learn a lot from the soldiers and what they do and how they train."