PORT Adelaide has earned its first NAB AFL Rising Star nomination of the year courtesy of small forward Robbie Gray.
Gray was given the nod for round 12 after an impressive performance in the first week of the split round against Essendon.
In just his third AFL game Gray set the Power alight with four goals across half forward.
The pick of Gray's goals involved a spin-move reminiscent of his days as a junior basketballer and earned the youngster his second nomination for the week, this time for Toyota AFL Goal of the Year.
"It;s been an honour to get the rising star award this week and it's nice to be recognised," Gray told portadelaidefc.com.au.
"At the start of the season I was hoping to get a crack at AFL footy, so to play three games now has just been fantastic."
Stolen by the Power at pick number 55 in the 2006 AFL National Draft, Gray left his native Victoria to pursue an AFL dream.
The 19-year old livewire showed irresistible early-season form in the SANFL and was rewarded with a round 10 debut against the team he supported as a kid, Hawthorn.
"It's been a great journey so far. Coming from Victoria and moving over here to Adelaide has been a pretty big move, but I love it," Gray said.
"It was a bit funny running out against some of my childhood heroes at Hawthorn but it was just a great experience."
Rubbing shoulders with some of the game's elite is just another aspect of AFL life the silky-skilled Gray has taken in his stride.
The former Vic Metro star has featured in the Power's best players in the past two weeks, averaging 12 possessions and booting six goals.
For an excitement machine already likened to Geelong star Gary Ablett Jr, Gray remained remarkably modest.
"Last week I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few goals through the team playing well and getting it down there," Gray said.
"A lot's been said about comparing me to Gary Ablett Jr, and I suppose I look at his tapes a bit. He's a champion player and if I can get anywhere near the level he is I'd be pretty happy. It's a big call but I'm just trying to concentrate on my game mainly, and to keep improving."
Gray, one of five Power debutants this season, believes Port Adelaide is the perfect environment for nurturing growth.
He credits coach Mark Williams' tough approach to footy and renowned teaching ability for the quick rejuvenation of the Power squad.
"Mark's just great. At times he rides everyone a bit, but it's all for the future. He is big on helping us young guys learn and learn fast so we can get out there and play."
Gray's nomination is the Power's fifth in 18 months, including eventual 2006 NAB AFL Rising Star winner Danyle Pearce.
The elusive forward played down his chances of following in Pearce's footsteps, instead nominating a teammate for consideration.
"A few of the boys reckon there's a rising star club going around here, but I don't know about that," Gray said with a laugh.
"Pearcey (Pearce) had a great year last year so there's obviously a bit of history with the rising star at this club and I think Michael Wilson won it back in the early days as well. But there's no added pressure and I'm just happy to get the nomination.
"A few of the boys said that Justin Westhoff might have been a bit stiff to miss out on the nomination last week. Westy has been great in the first three games and if he keeps playing the way he is, I'm sure he'll get one soon too."
