Robbie Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robbie Gray |
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Gray playing for Port Adelaide in June 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Robert Gray | ||
| Nickname(s) | Robbie gray | ||
| Date of birth | 30 March 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup) | ||
| Draft | No. 55, 2006 national draft | ||
| Position(s) | Forward / midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Port Adelaide | ||
| Number | 9 | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Club
Representative
Honours
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Robert "Robbie" Gray (born 30 March 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played his entire career for the Port Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Many people think he is one of the best players in Port Adelaide's history.
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Early Life and Junior Football
Robbie Gray grew up in Victoria, Australia. When he was a teenager, he played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup, which is a top league for young players. In 2006, he had a great season and kicked 56 goals.
He also played for the Victoria Metro team with other future AFL stars like Tom Hawkins and Matthew Kreuzer. Even though he was a good player, some teams weren't sure about drafting him. But Port Adelaide's recruiters were impressed with his skill and hard work. They chose him with the 55th pick in the 2006 AFL draft.
AFL Career with Port Adelaide
Gray began his professional career in 2007. He played for Port Adelaide's partner team in the SANFL, West Adelaide, before making his AFL debut.
A Promising Start (2007–2011)
Gray made his first AFL appearance in Round 1, 2007. He quickly showed his talent. In a Round 12 game against Essendon, he kicked four goals. This amazing performance earned him a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award, which is given to the best young players in the league.
Over the next few years, Gray became an important player for Port Adelaide. In 2009, he had a fantastic season, kicking 30 goals and helping his teammates score 23 times. For his great effort, the club gave him the Most Improved Player award.
In 2010, he won his first Showdown Medal. This medal is given to the best player in the game between Port Adelaide and their rivals, the Adelaide Crows. By 2011, he was Port Adelaide's leading goalkicker for the season with 32 goals.
Overcoming Injury (2012–2013)
In 2012, Gray suffered a serious knee injury during a game. He needed a major surgery called a knee reconstruction and had to miss the rest of the season.
He returned to football in 2013. To mark his fresh start, he changed his jersey number from 17 to 9, which was the number he wore as a junior player.
Becoming a Superstar (2014–2018)
The 2014 season was Gray's best ever. He played as both a forward and a midfielder, kicking 42 goals and setting up many more for his teammates. He was so good that he won the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, which is voted on by all the coaches in the league. He was also named to the All-Australian team, an honor for the best players in each position. To top it off, he won the John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide's best and fairest player.
Gray continued his amazing form in 2015 and 2016, winning the John Cahill Medal two more times. He also won another Showdown Medal in 2015.
In 2017, Gray had to take time off to recover from a serious health problem. He showed great courage and returned to training later that year. He played the entire 2018 season and proved he was still one of the best. In a Showdown game that year, he kicked six goals and won another Showdown Medal.
Final Years and Retirement (2019–2022)
Gray continued to be a key player for Port Adelaide in his final seasons. In 2019, he won his fifth Showdown Medal. In 2021, he played his 250th game, a huge milestone for any AFL player.
After dealing with a knee injury, Gray announced his retirement in 2022. His last game was fittingly a Showdown against the Adelaide Crows. He finished his career with 271 games and 367 goals for Port Adelaide.
Honours and Achievements
Robbie Gray won many awards during his career.
- All-Australian: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
- AFLCA Champion Player of the Year: 2014
- John Cahill Medal (Port Adelaide Best & Fairest): 2014, 2015, 2016
- Showdown Medal: 2010, 2015, 2018 (twice), 2019
- Port Adelaide Leading Goalkicker: 2011, 2018
- Australian Representative: 2011, 2014, 2015
