GRAINGER, Gary

Gary “Bronco” Grainger was a ruckman and forward who came from Stawell where he had played from late 1966 to 1969. He was a fine mark but had trouble keeping a regular senior spot.

He kicked two goals on debut in Round 1, 1970, against Carlton in an away loss. He played 14 games in his debut season.

Grainger managed only 11 games in 1971 but finished with the Best Team Man award that year. He also won the same award in the Reserves.

He finished third in the Reserves Best and Fairest award in 1972 and won the Reserves Best Player in Finals the same year.

He found it hard to get regular first team selection and after five games in 1972 he left Essendon. He joined Preston in 1973 where he remained until 1976, his final season as captain.

Grainger then became captain-coach of East Devonport in Tasmania in 1977 and 1978 and then captain-coach of Epping in 1979.

He was with Lalor from 1980 to 1984 and was that club's captain-coach in 1981. He also represented the Diamond Valley League in that year.

He has served as the Club's recruitment officer in 1992 and 1993, and later as vice-president of the EFC Past Players & Officials Association.

Grainger's father, George, played two games for St Kilda in 1944.