EFNL 2023: Robbie Gray to play for Doncaster in Round 1 of the Eastern league Premier Division

An AFL great will pull the boots on in the Eastern league’s Premier Division on Saturday. Latest here.

He’s in.

Arguably local football’s biggest recruit this off-season will pull the boots on in the suburban ranks on Saturday, with Port Adelaide champion Robbie Gray to play for Doncaster.

A close friend of Doncaster playing-coach Chris Annakis, the pair will realise a long-time dream of taking the field together as the Sharks meet Norwood at Schramms Reserve.

Gray signed with the Eastern league Premier Division outfit last November after wrapping up his 271-game AFL career which took in 367 goals and three club best and fairests.

Robbie Gray will suit up for Doncaster on Saturday. Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It had been uncertain when the 35-year-old – who holds a role among Port Adelaide’s recruiting and list management team – would suit up for his new club, with Doncaster confirming the four-time All Australian’s selection on Thursday afternoon.

“On a personal level it’s exciting,” Annakis said.

“It (playing together) is something that we’ve always wanted to do … but it’s also an exciting day for the club for all the players and all involved, to have someone like him down and available for Round 1, it’s perfect timing for us.”

The Sharks are set to roll out a host of recruits, with midfielder Louis Thompson, son of former Hawthorn and North Melbourne forward, Nathan, in line to make his debut for the club alongside ex-VFL name Declan Everett.

Doncaster’s surprise inclusion of Gray caps off a star-studded opening round of the Eastern league’s top-flight, with former AFL tall Josh Walker booting six majors on Good Friday for Balwyn, while Doncaster East looks set to debut former Blue and Lion Tom Bell.

Doncaster vs. Norwood – Saturday, April 15, Schramms Reserve, 2.20pm