Don Gross was a handy rover and wingman who lacked that yard of pace which would have made him a real star. He was fairly strong and a good left-foot kick. He came to Essendon as an outstanding schoolboy from Euroa.
He was third in Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1971. He was also the third top goalkicker in that year.
Gross was unlucky to miss selection in the 1965 premiership team when he broke his collarbone in the preliminary final, he was then a reserve in the losing 1968 Grand Final side which went down to Carlton by only 3 points.
He won Essendon's best team man award in 1970.
Gross became captain-coach of Essendon Reserves in 1974 and he later coached the U19s from 1977 to 1980. Since then, he has coached school squads for Essendon.
He is active in the Essendon Past Players and Offiicials Association.
Years Played - 1965-74
Games Played - 121
Goals - 107