While Robbie Gray has deservedly received the most plaudits among those whose surname is ‘Gray’ at the Power, praise has to be heaped upon the other Gray at the Power, Sam Gray. While they are not brothers, both have been key to Port Adelaide’s gameplan over the last few seasons, particularly as they have rotated between midfield and forward roles.

For Sam Gray it wasn’t an easy journey to the AFL, having been taken in the 2014 Rookie Draft, plying his trade in the SANFL before getting his AFL chance that same year, showing his stuff as he found his feet at the AFL. However, it was at the end of 2015 when he truly broke out, playing the final six games of the season averaging an insane 35 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, six inside 50s for the final three games of 2015, cementing his spot in Port Adelaide’s side for future seasons.

Moving into more of a small, pressure forward role from this, Gray went from focusing on racking up touches to creating havoc in the forward line, winning the ball back in crucial areas and knowing what to do with it as a result of his hard work, leading to an average of 21 touches per game in 2016, again confirming his place in Port Adelaide’s best 22.

From this in 2017 he had what has so far been his best season yet, playing every game of the year and kicking 28 goals, the third highest total for the Power that season, averaging 18 touches and growing as a footballer. 2018 was a small step back for Gray, as it was for Port, but their hot start to this season has thrust him back up to his best form as he looks to recapture his 2017 best.

So far in 2019 he has averaged 20 disposals, 3 tackles and 2 goals, with his best work coming in the last two games against West Coast and North Melbourne. Against the Eagles, Gray cleaned up for 26 touches and 8 marks, while at the same time putting in 5 tackles and a pair of goals to his name. Port run riot in Perth, with Gray’s speed and pressure being vital to the Power’s gameplan against the reigning Premiers.

Against the Kangaroos, Gray was at it again, as he was unplayable at times with 28 disposals, 5 tackles, winning 4 free kicks and booting a game-high 4 goals, in a match that saw Port overwhelm their opposition, much in the same way they did against West Coast in the week prior, and as they have done all season. As speed and rapid movement has been the cornerstone of their plans this season, Sam Gray has exemplified this with his hard work in the forward line to win the footy, create chaos for defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Port Adelaide are currently sitting 5th on the ladder, are in the mix for the top four with some big scalps against teams such as West Coast and Melbourne, they’re finally back to playing the brand of footy Ken Hinkley wants to see from his teams, and Gray’s development over the last few seasons has been key to this, with his energy allowing Port to play at the pace at which they have done this season. He’s only gone from strength to strength, and is in career best form at the moment, if Port are to maintain their strong start to the season you can expect Gray to be in the mix for their BnF come the end of the season.

A special mention should also be reserved for Jack Crisp from Collingwood whom has continued his best efforts as a rebounding defender, with another strong performance against Essendon on ANZAC Day. Crisp finished with 29 touches, 4 inside 50s, 7 marks and 6 tackles as Collingwood narrowly defeated the Bombers by 4 points.