EFNL: Robbie Gray signs with Doncaster to play with Chris Annakis

Robbie Gray won’t be pulling on the boots at Doncaster for a “one or two-game stint” it’s expected to be much more. Here’s why.

Robbie Gray has signed with Doncaster for the 2023 season. Photo: Facebook.

Find a better local footy recruit than Doncaster’s latest signing and you’ve done very well.

The Sharks have unveiled Robbie Gray as the club’s second signing for the 2023 season in a major boost to the club’s finals hopes.

Gray’s AFL resume is as good as any player to retire in recent seasons.

He finished with 367 goals in 271 games, was named an All-Australian on four occasions, won five Showdown medals and was the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year in 2014.

Doncaster coach Chris Annakis said he was looking forward to playing with his great mate.

“We’re wrapt to have someone of Robbie’s calibre come to our club,” he said.

“Playing together is something we’ve spoken about for over 20 years but it became more real in the last couple of years as his AFL career was coming to an end.

“We’re not expecting this to be a one or two-game stint, Robbie is keen to play as many games as he can.

“We’re still waiting for our fixture along with the AFL’s to come out before we have better idea of how many he could play.”

Robbie Gray has signed with Doncaster for the 2023 season. Photo: Facebook.

Annakis believes Gray’s experience will have an influence on even the club’s most experienced players.

“He’s got to be great for our younger guys but even those in their 30s,” he said.

“There’s no doubt he’s going to have instant respect when he walks into the group. Being a genius on the field you’d be silly not to listen to what comes out of his mouth.

“Another voice is going to be beneficial to the entire group including myself.”

Doncaster confirmed Gray’s signing on Monday night.

“We’re excited to have Robbie involved and on-board at the Sharks,” the club said in a social media post.

“He and senior coach, Chris Annakis have been lifelong friends and have always wanted to play together one day. They’re very much looking forward to taking the field together in 2023.

“Robbie has recently taken up a position in Port Adelaide’s list management and recruiting team and when time permits between work commitments he is excited to represent the Sharks.”

Robbie Gray retired at the end of the 2022 season. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The Port Adelaide champion won’t be the last player to arrive at the Sharks this off-season either with Annakis and his recruiting staff continuing to work on new signings.

“Covid really did shake up the local footy scene for all clubs,” he said.

“We’ve been working hard to bring new players to the club and hopefully Robbie’s arrival does give us a bit of a boost.

“We’re hoping to have a couple of more guys signed in the coming days.”

Gray is the second player to have been unveiled by the club in the off-season.

He joins Declan Everett who has previously played for Beaconsfield and Wodonga in the Ovens and Murray competition.

“Declan is a midfielder who spreads well from the contest and (sic) we look forward to watching him in the hoops in 2023,” the club said.

Doncaster finished the 2022 season 10th on the ladder with a 5-13 record.