ROBBIE Gray has seized the opportunity to claim the vacant number nine guernsey at Port Adelaide and will wear it from 2013.

Gray has been in rehabilitation-mode since critically injuring his anterior cruciate ligament against Collingwood last season.

Having played in the number #17 jumper since debuting in 2007, Gray is hoping his new number will bring with it the opportunity to play consistent, injury-free football after suffering several setbacks throughout his career.

He last wore the number nine during his junior sporting days and has coveted the chance to wear it as an elite AFL footballer.

“Obviously it’s a bit of a fresh start,” Gray told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“I wore number nine as a kid growing up playing basketball so it’s always been my number and it freed up this year.

“Coming off the injury list it was time for a change.

“I loved playing in number seventeen but just with the chance for a fresh start and having worn it as a kid, it was a good reason to change.”
Port Adelaide also confirmed its other number allocations and changes at Alberton this morning.

Bid on a jumper signed by Robbie here.