Former Port Adelaide captain Robbie Gray is set to pull on the jumper for East Sunbury in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition this season.
The Thunder are set to put in a clearance this week for Gray, who played 271 games for Port Adelaide and won three club best and fairests.
Gray retired at the end of 2022 but has since played local football.
Thunder head of football Travis Switzer said they were thrilled to have Gray on board at the club and not just in a playing capacity.
“It’s a big achievement for us and it’s bigger that he’s already doing some academy sessions with juniors,” he said Star Weekly.
“He’s been working with boys and girls from 12 to 18. We’ve had our third session with the academy and there’s about 20 kids in it.
“It’s just amazing for the academy to have access to him.”
Gray has been at Thunder training throughout the pre-season.
Gray is unlikely to play every game for the Thunder.
He will play for the club when time permits in between his commitments with Port Adelaide where he is part of the recruitment and list management team.
Switzer said Gray has joined the club as he wants to play with one of his best mates.
“He’s really close with Wade Lees,” he said.
“He played a lot for Casey. They live near each other and their kids go to the same schools and they travel together to the club.”
Gray joins former Carlton and Brisbane Lions star full forward Brendan Fevola at the club.
Former Melbourne player James Strauss will coach the side having joined the club midway through last year, while former Richmond forward Todd Elton has recommitted, having won the club’s best and fairest last season.
East Sunbury is hoping to move up the ladder as it continues to rebuild its program.
The Thunder won two games in 2025 after going 1344 days without a win, which included not having senior sides in 2023.
Switzer said there was a really good vibe around the club.
“It’s exciting for us,” he said. “He’s a great player and he’s going to teach the younger players in both juniors and seniors.
“The ex-AFL players bring some knowledge and experience to the group and help some of the younger players develop.
“It’s also exciting for the league to have a player of that class in the EDFL.”
The Thunder will kick off its season on 11 April against Hadfield.
