Doncaster player-coach Chris Annakis has revealed how the club landed former Port Adelaide forward Robbie Gray for 2023.
The Sharks announced the signing of Gray earlier this week, with the 271-gamer joining the club just months after calling time on his AFL career.
While Gray hails from the area and played juniors for nearby East Burwood, Annakis was the key reason behind the move with the star forward keen to play with one of his “really good mates” after 16 years of playing different levels of footy.
Annakis says he and Gray have long hoped to “get together and play on the same footy field” which will happen next season in the EFL.
“We’re pretty happy down at Shark Park, he’s providing a big boost for our club which is great,” Annakis told SEN Mornings.
“I went to high school with Robbie out in Doncaster, that was a couple of years ago now, but we met there and have been really good mates ever since.
“(We’ve been talking about playing together for) about 20 years to be honest, ever since he sort of went to the AFL and chased his dream.
“He obviously did really well at that, it’s one of those things that you never know how long it’s going to last, but to his credit the performances he put up and the career he had was outstanding.
“It’s one of those things that you want to keep going for him, but at the same time once his career finished up, we were kind of hoping to get together and play on the same footy field which looks like it’ll eventuate next season.”
While Gray will only play for the Sharks when his work with Port Adelaide’s list management department allows, Annakis says they expect the star forward to suit up more often than not.
“We’ve spoken with Robbie, and we’re sort of waiting for our fixture to be released,” Annakis said in response to how often Gray would play for the club.
“Then we’ll sort of cross-reference with what the AFL one looks like.
“Robbie is pretty keen to get over and play as many games as we can.
“We haven’t just sort of signed him to get a bit of attention, we actually expect and Robbie is keen to play as many games as he can.
“Hopefully it’s a fair chunk of the season.”
Doncaster will hope Gray’s inclusion helps them improve on their 10th-placed finish in last year’s EFNL Premier Division campaign.