Robbie Gray stars to win third Showdown Medal in three games, fifth overall in big Port Adelaide win
He already held the record for the most Showdown Medals. And on Saturday evening, Power star Robbie Gray added another one to his collection with a typically classy midfield display.
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Another Port Adelaide-Crows game, another Showdown Medal for Robbie Gray.
The Power star claimed his third successive award for best-on-ground in SA’s biggest football match and his record fifth overall after being a catalyst to Port’s 57-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday evening.
Gray bounced back from a disappointing showing in the Power’s loss to the Western Bulldogs last week to chalk up 35 disposals – second on the ground only to teammate Tom Rockliff’s 36 – along with 10 clearances and six inside 50s, in a typically classy display.
While Matt Crouch shone early for the Crows, Gray was a driving force during the second half as Port stormed clear by kicking 9.9 to Adelaide’s 1.3.
“We got going a bit in the third quarter, which was nice and were able to put our work on the scoreboard,” Gray told Fox Footy post-match.
“I thought as a midfield we were able to get our job done in there, so that was pleasing.”
It has been a bit rob Peter to pay Paul with Gray in recent seasons as to whether he lines up in the midfield or attack, and he has switched between both this year.
But he featured on the ball on Saturday and helped Port – missing Gray’s long-time teammate Travis Boak, who withdrew shortly before the game – dominate the overall clearance (45-27) and inside 50 (66-42) counts.
Gray won the medal in both Showdowns last year after kicking six majors in a game-turning performance in May then slotted four with 20 disposals when Port lost narrowly in August.
He missed the Crows’ 20-point victory two months ago with a broken hand when Adelaide defender Alex Keath received the honour.
Gray already held the Showdown Medal record with four and by winning again moved two clear of Crows Mark Ricciuto and Sam Jacobs, and the Power’s Josh Francou.