News Robbie Gray in recruiting and list management role

[Progressive Aggresion]

Arguably our greatest ever AFL era player, and still the king of clutch even this late into his career.

I value him as much as the rest of us do, however, as he approaches 34 years of age in March, I cannot help but bring up the question we're all gonna hate trying to answer, how much longer does he have?

In recent years our climb back up the ladder has come at the expense of dropping long time veterans Westhoff and Hammer from the 22 as they grew older and slower. Will Robbie be at risk of a similar fate to maintain our flag chances?

On one hand his stats numbers are still quite strong, especially for his twilight years. Certainly better than Michael Walters

10

Michael Walters

Age

33

Ht

176cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.2

4star

K

11.0

4star

HB

6.2

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.9

4star

G

1.7

5star

D

20.9

5star

K

11.8

5star

HB

9.1

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

3.3

4star

G

1.0

4star

D

13.0

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

3.6

3star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

0.8

4star

' last 2 seasons. On the other hand however, he's lost the capacity to have consistent impact in the midfield, as shown in last years prelim.

Even with all this in mind, we cannot forget how elite his skillset still is. Skillsets of his standards are hard to come by, especially nowadays, and equally as hard to replace as a result. I guess that leaves the question, what would it take for him to justifiably be dropped?

Thoughts?

 

[RossFC]

Arguably our greatest ever AFL era player, and still the king of clutch even this late into his career.

I value him as much as the rest of us do, however, as he approaches 34 years of age in March, I cannot help but bring up the question we're all gonna hate trying to answer, how much longer does he have?

In recent years our climb back up the ladder has come at the expense of dropping long time veterans Westhoff and Hammer from the 22 as they grew older and slower. Will Robbie be at risk of a similar fate to maintain our flag chances?

On one hand his stats numbers are still quite strong, especially for his twilight years. Certainly better than Michael Walters' last 2 seasons. On the other hand however, he's lost the capacity to have consistent impact in the midfield, as shown in last years prelim.

Even with all this in mind, we cannot forget how elite his skillset still is. Skillsets of his standards are hard to come by, especially nowadays, and equally as hard to replace as a result. I guess that leaves the question, what would it take for him to justifiably be dropped?

Thoughts?

He's just about run out of juice, I'd be surprised if he lasted past this season.

 

[shewho]

Has earnt the right to go out on his own terms when he wants to. Hope he plays to 100.

 

[afl2004]

Yeah 2023 will definitely be his last year ,
Honor to watch him play , not having a premiership medal will be extremely disappointing

 

[Astronema]

It is very hard to say IMO.

I think Robbie wants a premiership so I don’t think he will retire this year without one unless he can’t hold his spot. I think he easily holds his spot if he isn’t literally injured as well.

But these things happen when they happen, and they can happen very quickly so we will have to wait and see.

 

[dirty2]

We want rozee butters fantasia taking the better defenders so hopefully Robbie can be a have a bit more freedom... But sadly I think this is his last hurrah... struggles to get seperation from his defender.

Like others have said deserves a premiership medal around his neck.

 

[edgie]

He ain't got much toe left and is not real effective through the middle anymore, but he's still super clutch and if we can get him forward he still has the brains and bodywork to find the footy and hopefully find the goals. If he can put through a couple goals a game he'll still attract the best small defender which will help out guys like Rozee, etc.

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[davesnothere]

Would like to think someone like Dylan Williams could force the issue before the end of the year. Champion that Robbie has been we still need to move on at the end of the year.

 

[EskimoPAFC]

Could have a role for a few years still.

An argument could be made that he isn't best 22 even now, but excellent depth and a great bloke to have for the younger guys.

 

[Progressive Aggresion]

Could have a role for a few years still.

An argument could be made that he isn't best 22 even now, but excellent depth and a great bloke to have for the younger guys.

Could he maybe stay in the question for continuing to help the club in leadership off the field post retirement?

 

[Launchpad McQuack]

Could he maybe stay in the question for continuing to help the club in leadership off the field post retirement?

Maybe list management.

 

[Collars]

This will most likely be his last season. Expect to see him managed at times throughout the year too.

I'd be very surprised if he plays on again next year. It's a great shame that our greatest player since Tredrea won't win a flag thanks to our fraudulent coach.

 

[rignanv]

I think Robbie should pretty much be a permanent sub this year. I think he can have an impact in that role

 

[EskimoPAFC]

Could he maybe stay in the question for continuing to help the club in leadership off the field post retirement?

Gee I hope so. Would be very, very few people that would be a better teacher, and would likely be great at the draft table too. I hope he spends his whole career at Port.

 

[Powerage]

When he is fit he is probably still best 22 as a small forward.

Notably struggles to get separation from his defender these days however still uses the ball so well he is a constant danger to the opposition. His stats are still not too bad.

I think it is really a matter of what his preseason has been like and what his role is this year. I do thing his days in the middle are numbered except maybe in bursts.

It is so sad to when a special player at your club starts to notably age and struggle. He has given his all to advance the club in the last 8 years or so and does deserve that premiership medal he so desperately wants.

Hopefully will transition into a teaching/coaching role at the club it seems he would be well suited to that type of role.

 

[El_Scorcho]

He's on the decline but I think he's still best 22 as a small forward. His brain won't slow down and he was never a player that relied on his physical attributes too much.

 

[Willsy10]

Easily best 22 still.



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[FishingRick04]

We have the conflict of loyalty versus transition. I enjoy Robbie a lot but we need players pushing him out and Boak for that matter.

 

[Astronema]

Robbie is still probably our best forward, and is the best player on the field at moments against any opposition. Come finals his centre bounce appearances could prove the difference between success and failure.

I’m really not understanding why people are so quick to start writing him off.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Should be managed this year and only play about 15 games.

If the sub rules are tightened and is only to be used as a true injury sub, then have him do that role for a few of those 15 games.

 

[Jonts]

Should be managed this year and only play about 15 games.

If the sub rules are tightened and is only to be used as a true injury sub, then have him do that role for a few of those 15 games.

**** imagine R Gray as a sub

Amazing thought

 

[Progressive Aggresion]

Robbie is still probably our best forward, and is the best player on the field at moments against any opposition. Come finals his centre bounce appearances could prove the difference between success and failure.

I’m really not understanding why people are so quick to start writing him off.

It's a tricky one. On one hand he polled votes in round 23 last year against the dogs playing primarily in the midfield and kicked the match winner late as well. On the other hand though, he started in the same position during the Prelim against the same team and was completely overwhelmed. I'm still not sure what to make of it myself. His best and worst performances for the season were within a few weeks of each other against the same opposition. What was the main difference?

 

[Jonts]

Robbie is still probably our best forward, and is the best player on the field at moments against any opposition. Come finals his centre bounce appearances could prove the difference between success and failure.

I’m really not understanding why people are so quick to start writing him off.

Probably his centre bounce attendances in the prelim final

There is still a spot for him in the side

Needs to be outside the top 5 for CBAs rather than top 3

 

[Jonts]

It's a tricky one. On one hand he polled votes in round 23 last year against the dogs playing primarily in the midfield and kicked the match winner late as well. On the other hand though, he started in the same position during the Prelim against the same team and was completely overwhelmed. I'm still not sure what to make of it myself. His best and worst performances for the season were within a few weeks of each other against the same opposition. What was the main difference?

Western Bulldogs put the work into him

 

[FishingRick04]

Robbie is still probably our best forward, and is the best player on the field at moments against any opposition. Come finals his centre bounce appearances could prove the difference between success and failure.

I’m really not understanding why people are so quick to start writing him off.

He is turning 34 and his last sprint race against a glacier was neck and neck. There's only so long.