David was an extremely courageous player who would put his body on the line for his team on countless occasion. This trait was recognised in 2004 when David won Most Courageous in the AFL as voted on by his peers, as well as also winning the Carlton Best & Fairest.

At the end of 2007 David’s playing career came to an end at Carlton, however he was appointed as a Development Coach which same him in charge of the Northern Bullants who were Carlton’s VFL Affiliate team. David enjoyed great success during his time at the Northern Bullants which included a Grand Final appearance in 2009 and a VFL Premiership in 2010.

At the end of 2010, West Coast appointed David as an Assistant Coach where he assumed the role for three seasons, before deciding to relocate back to Melbourne where he was given a role at St Kilda. 

At the conclusion of the 2014 season David was appointed as an Assistant Coach of the Adelaide Football Club for three seasons, before again returning home to Victoria to take up a role under Senior Coach, Brendan Bolton, at Carlton. With his resume continuing to build, David was appointed interim Senior Coach in 2019 during his second year at the club after Brendan Bolton was removed.

With a poor win/loss record and restless fans, David turned the tide on the clubs fortunes, winning his first game as Senior Coach before adding another five wins by the end of the season. As the players and fans opinions gathered momentum, David was appointed the full time Senior Coach in August 2019 for three years. However, unfortunately due to a change of direction from the Carlton board, David’s term as coach came to an end at the conclusion of the 2021 Season. Although disappointed with the outcome, David was not short of suitors to get back into the game where he was fortunate to take up an opportunity to join Richmond as an Assistant Coach.

Achievements:

·       AFLPA Most Courageous 2004

·       Carlton Best & Fairest 2004