It’s three of the best for Port Adelaide superstar Robbie Gray
EIGHT months after being diagnosed with cancer, Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray turned Showdown 44 on its head with a match-winning performance that ended the Power’s derby hoodoo and earned him a record-equalling third Showdown Medal.
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EIGHT months after being diagnosed with cancer, Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray said he had never been happier after a game than when the siren sounded to end a Showdown 44 classic.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been that happy after the siren has gone,’’ said Gray, who became the fourth man to win three Showdown Medals after producing a majestic six-goal performance against the Crows.
“I’m just really happy to be back playing footy, it’s been a pretty big eight months for me and to be back doing what I love and get this result, it’s great.
“The emotion I felt when that siren went is right up there with anything across my footy career, so it’s certainly a special one.
“There was a big build up for us this week because we were really disappointed after last week (losing to West Coast) and like Kenny (coach Ken Hinkley) said, 0-5 (in the previous five Showdowns), we were sick of it, so it was good to get the result.’’
Gray, 30, turned the game on its head with five third-quarter goals.
Port appeared gone just before halftime when it trailed by 27 points before small forward/midfielder Gray kicked a goal just before the siren.
He then played the quarter of his life, kicking five goals in the third stanza, to push his side 12 points clear at the final change.
“The ball just kept coming my way and everything just seemed to be clicking,’’ said Gray, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer the week after the Power was knocked out of last year’s finals by the Eagles in extra-time of their elimination final.
“I was really happy that I was able to finish off and put it on the scoreboard.
“It was even nicer to get the win.’’
I don’t know if I’ve ever been that happy after the siren has gone
Gray, who had 20 disposals and five clearances to go with his six goals, is just the fourth player to win three Showdown Medals.
He joins former Port midfielder Josh Francou and Crows Sam Jacobs and Mark Ricciuto in the elite club.
Gray also was voted best afield in Showdown 28 in 2010 and Showdown 38 in 2015, illustrating his star quality over a long period.
Well played, Robbie âï¸#AFLPowerCrows #AFL pic.twitter.com/Sw9mu5FIFt
— AFL (@AFL) May 12, 2018
Hinkley said Gray’s matchwinning performance further emphasised that he was one of the game’s modern-day greats.
“He plays all right, doesn't he?’’ Hinkley said.
“Where he rates is not up to me to decide but he is a great player. If you ask me he’s the best player in the league tonight because he kicked six in a Showdown and we win by five points.
“He’s in the top lot (of players) because you don’t do what Robbie’s done, a three-times best and fairest, All-Australian and Showdown Medallist without being a great player, it’s pretty simple.
“But I don’t think we should try to compare anyone, I just love watching great players.’’
Gray — as he proved again — is certainly one of them.
andrew.capel@news.com.au
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