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PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has tipped star midfielder Robbie Gray to win the Brownlow Medal.
PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has tipped star midfielder Robbie Gray to win the Brownlow Medal.
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Gray, who was last week named in the All Australian team for the first time, had a brilliant home and away campaign and is among the favourites to claim footy's greatest individual honour.
"Robbie has just had an unbelievable year," Hinkley said after Port's three-point loss to Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG.
"If people who are controlling the game have got good vision … we'll see probably an interesting result Monday night, because he was clearly the best player in the competition this year."
Gray was again among Port's best players in its loss to the Hawks. He finished with 25 disposals, eight clearances and three goals.
However, Gray's performance was probably eclipsed by Travis Boak, who finished with 33 touches. The Port skipper was still running as hard at the end of the match as he was at the start.
"Pretty fair player, isn't he? Amazing young captain," Hinkley said of Boak.
"He's only going to get better. He couldn't have done any more himself today, and his finals series has been pretty good, bar the Freo game, and even his second half against them was outstanding."
Hinkley also had plenty of praise for Port ruckman Matthew Lobbe, who battled through the season with little support because back-up ruckmen Jarrad Redden and Brent Renouf were injured.
"I reckon 'Lobes' would have liked a rest at some stage," Hinkley said. "What a season, when you think about much work he's had to do.
"Every game, bar one, he's had to ruck on his own. Courageous."
As for a Grand Final tip, Hinkley said: "Two best teams are playing. I think there's no doubt about that.
"There's a bit of me that would love to see the Hawks win because of the way their season's been. They've had some challenges through the season.
"The Swans are an outstanding side, tough. That's the trouble.
"I've got a cousin who plays for the Swans in Gary Rohan, so if you ask me for a favourable tip I'm going to hope that Gary and the Swans can get a win.
"Sydney will go in confident, but Clarko's got a great group of players that know how to win in Grand Finals."
