Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray to miss four weeks - and Showdown 46 - with broken hand

Port Adelaide’s ‘Mr Showdown’ Robbie Gray is expected to miss a month of footy - and two of the club’s biggest matches - after undergoing surgery to repair a broken right hand on Sunday.

Robbie Gray talks with former teammate Jasper Pittard after the game. Picture SARAH REED

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Port Adelaide superstar Robbie Gray will miss two of the club’s biggest matches of the season - and a month of football - after undergoing surgery to repair a broken right hand on Sunday.

Dubbed Mr Showdown because of his record four Showdown Medals, including in both derbies last year, the brilliant midfielder/forward has been ruled out of Friday night’s blockbuster against Collingwood in Melbourne and the round eight clash against arch-rival Adelaide.

Robbie Gray with his broken right hand on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Capel

Robbie Gray on the burst against North Melbourne on Friday night. Picture Sarah Reed

He also is expected to miss the round nine and 10 games against Gold Coast and Hawthorn respectively but hopes to be fit for the Power's round 11 China match against St Kilda.

Gray revealed on Sunday that he had broken two bones in his right hand in the first quarter of Friday night’s 16-point win against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, which gave early season surprise packet Port a handy 4-2 win-loss record and propelled it into the top four.

Gray believes he suffered the injury when he had his hand stepped on in a pack by Kangaroo Ben Cunnington.

The 31-year-old played out the game under duress, finishing with 18 disposals, six marks and seven score involvements.

Scans on Saturday revealed the full extent of the damage.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure how it happened, I think my hand might have got stepped on at the bottom of a pack, and I was in a bit of pain and went straight to the bench,’’ said Gray.

“The docs had a feel around and knew something was wrong with it but I was able to play out the game. Then the X-rays confirmed there was a break, which isn't ideal.

“But these things happen in footy. I’ve had my fair share of injuries in the past and hopefully this is only a month out of footy.

“The boys are in some great touch, we’re happy to be sitting 4-2 and hopefully we can keep that going.’’

Gray said he was bitterly disappointed to be missing such important matches, including good mate Travis Boak’s 250th game against Collingwood.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good position after round six but it’s a big month of footy coming up, really important for us,’’ he said.

“But I’ve got full faith that the boys will continue to do well.’’

Former Cat Steven Motlop - dropped to the SANFL two weeks ago - would be Gray’s logical replacement in the Power team but there are a handful of players who have been in good form in the local league.

Gray - one of the Power’s greatest players - has had a modest start to the season, averaging 20 disposals but kicking just six goals.

But he is a game-changer who can turn a match in the blink of an eye.

“My form hasn’t been great, not at the standard I’ve set over the past few years, but I was working away and I’m really enjoying my footy and really excited at what the group’s doing,’’ he said.

“The young guys that have come into the side are zipping around and playing some great footy.’’

Power rookie Connor Rozee, right, celebrates a goal with Zak Butters, Robbie Gray and Xavier Duursma. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Gray, who has played 205 games and kicked 300 goals since debuting in 2007, said he had never seen three teenagers like Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma come into a team in their first season and play so well as a group.

“It’s an amazing effort,’’ he said.

“You rarely see any draftees come in and fit straight in and play round one, so to have three in the same year and not miss a beat, it’s exciting for our group and has rejuvenated us a bit.

“Along with ‘Drewy’ (third-year midfielder Willem Drew who debuted in round one), who also has been fantastic, we love playing with them because each of them bob up each week and do something special.’’