Robert Gray (Australian rules footballer)

Infobox afl player | firstname = Robert
lastname = Gray




birthdate = birth date|1988|3|30|df=y
birthplace =
originalteam = Oakleigh Chargers / East Burwood
heightweight = 184cm / 85kg
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
debutdate = 3 June 2007
debutteam = Port Adelaide
debutopponent = Hawthorn Hawks
debutstadium = AAMI Stadium
playingteams = Port Adelaide (2007-)

15 games, 22 goals
statsend = 2008
careerhighlights =

*AFL Rising Star Nomination Round 12 2007

Robert "Robbie" Gray (born 30 March 1988) is an Australian Rules footballer currently contracted to the Port Adelaide Power in the AFL. He also plays for West Adelaide in the SANFL.

Getting Drafted(2006)

Gray impressed in 2006 with TAC Cup club Oakleigh Chargers, kicking 56 goals. He also played for Victoria Metro's under 18 side, in a team comprising of fellow AFL draftees Bachar Houli, Matthew Kreuzer, Tom Hawkins and David MacKay. Despite this, Gray was not seen as a fancied draft option, due to his unfashionable style of play. His chances took a hit when he missed a draft camp due to injury. He did however, attract interest from Port Adelaide after impressing Port Adelaide recruiters. Head recruiter at the time, Mick Moylan was impressed with his off field discipline, with Gray maintaining an 8 and a half hour job.

Subsequently, Gray was picked by Port Adelaide in the 2006 draft who used their fourth pick, becoming the 55th pick overall.

Career(2007-Present)

After showing strong form in the SANFL with West Adelaide, Gray was given his AFL debut, along with fellow draftee Justin Westhoff. Gray contributed with 13 disposals and 4 marks and 2 behinds. In Round 12 of the 2007 Season, he kicked 4 goals in a match against Essendon, in which Port Adelaide won by 31 points. He received the round 12 AFL Rising Star nomination for his efforts.

During these games Robbie Gray consolidated his place in the Power line up until a calf injury relapse against the Richmond Tigers at the MCG kept Gray out.

Gray started the 2008 pre season strongly, suggesting he was over chronic soft tissue injuries and ready to have a larger impact. Fellow team-mate Brett Ebert said "Robbie's great. He's stronger and fitter than ever before and we saw last year just how clever he is in front of goals. Robbie's worked hard over the summer and if he can stay fit, I think he'll be in for a big year." However, Gray missed the start of the season through similar injuries and only got his first game for the year in round 7, after showing good form for West Adelaide. Gray played all matches until round 14 where he injured his ankle, with his best effort being a 20 possession and 12 mark game against Hawthorn.

External links

*Portplayer|ref=15304
*AflRleague|ref=R/Robert_Gray.html
*cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23780498-5016212,00.html |title= Meat Packer Now Cutting Up Rivals|accessdate=2008-08-13|publisher=Adelaide Now |date=2008-05-30
*cite web |url=http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=55205 |title=NAB Cup Countdown: Geelong and Port Adelaide |accessdate=2008-08-13 |publisher=Afl.com.au |date=2008-02-13