GCFC Holds No Lure For Gray
Robbie Gray says his heart is at Alberton and hopes to remain at the club despite coming out of contract at the end of 2010
Gray is one of several emerging Power stars, including Boak and half-back Nathan Krakouer, to come out of contract when Gold Coast begins its poaching spree in earnest at the end of the year.
Last month Boak told afl.com.au he had no interest in defecting to the AFL’s newest team and was already in negotiations to re-sign with Port Adelaide.
On Wednesday, Gray echoed a similar sentiment.
“I don’t have any interest in going up there to the Gold Coast…it’s not for me. I’m very happy here at Port Adelaide,” Gray said.
“I’m pretty close with a lot of the young blokes here and I have a good relationship with a lot of the coaches.
"I think there are exciting times ahead at the club and it’s something I want to be a part of".
Gray is confident that his management and the club will successfully negotiate new terms sometime during the season.
The 21-year-old's words comes as he prepares to take on a greater midfield role this year.
The elusive small forward managed just 15 games in his first two years at Alberton, but overcame niggling injuries to play 20 of a possible 22 games last season.
Now he believes his body is ready to withstand the rigours of a full AFL season.
“When I first got to the club they said it would take a while to get used to my body and the training workload. I suppose that has happened and I’ve learned a lot more about my body and what I can play with and train with,” Gray said.
“Early on, I probably tried to train when I was a bit sore and I didn’t need to.
"I’ve completely pretty much all the sessions and my fitness has improved as a result of that".
Gray sat out Port Adelaide’s NAB Cup opener against Adelaide in February after breaking a team curfew during the club’s pre-Christmas trip to the Gold Coast.
He also missed the Power’s second pre-season hit-out after having his appendix removed but impressed on return last weekend, gathering 21 possessions, two goals and a team-high six clearances against the Western Bulldogs.
Port Adelaide’s pick No.55 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, finishing equal-fourth in the club’s best and fairest award and being adjudged the most improved player.
Coach Mark Williams said Gray was ready to step up and become a genuine match-winner this season.
"Not too many people can do what Robbie can do through clearances but also in the forward line", Williams said.
"Bit by bit, week by week, Robbie and the staff here have been building his fitness base and an understanding of what he needs to do to prepare to be a professional footballer. He's grown up a bit and understands a bit more.
“He, Travis Boak and Domenic Cassisi through the midfield will be great for us."