HE may have retired from playing eight weeks ago but Robbie Gray will not be lost to Port Adelaide with the club pleased to announce he will stay at Alberton to take on a role in recruiting and list management.

During the final years of his 16-season playing career Gray expressed an interest in recruiting and list management, keeping an eye on the best young talent and spending time with National Recruiting Manager Geoff Parker and List Manager Jason Cripps.

The thee-time club best and fairest and four-time All-Australian’s new role will involve tracking the best in South Australian talent, as well as young players across the nation.

“Our List Management and Recruiting team, led by Jason Cripps, are an experienced and talented group and we look forward to Rob’s continuing contribution to the team,” said General Manager – Football, Chris Davies about Gray’s appointment.

“Rob has an eye for talent, sees the game better than most and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I have no doubt he’ll be great at this too.”

Gray retired at the end of the 2022 season after 271 games and 367 goals.

He said it felt like a natural transition into recruiting.

“I’ve always been interested in recruiting and list management so I’m really grateful to get the opportunity to move into that space,” Gray said.

“I’m excited about having the chance to work with Jason, Geoff and the team to help add to the exciting talent we already have at the club.”

Gray has already started in the role, taking in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne earlier this month.