The coaching commenced in Brisbane in the early 2000’s. Dave came to the game as a player in his 20’s having played both rugby codes previously, and quickly grew to love the wide-open spaces playing off a wing or half back and playing “run-bounce-carry” football.
After moving back to the Gold Coast 16 years ago and being on the Senior List at Labrador Tigers into his late 30’s, Dave worked out that he was closer in age to his teammates’ parents than he was to them, so competing in Old Boys became the way to go – which Dave played consistently until a hand injury sustained whilst playing in the 2023 season has now (probably, but you never know) ceased that journey.
After coming to the Dees in 2015, Dave has coached and mentored this current group of 13’s Mixed/Boys since many of them (now in High School) were in Prep and doesn’t mind from time to time giving them direct feedback. In 2024 the messaging of “Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable” will be heard, practised and implemented by the kids often.
In recent years Dave has worked closely with our Club’s rapidly expanding Girls and Women’s programs too, both as the Senior Assistant for our Dees Women’s Team in 2023, and as Assistant Coach for the 13’s Girls in 2022/23. Dave will also be co-coach of the 11’s Girls this season with Billy Morrison.
Dave is extremely dedicated and passionate about the myriad and varied responsibilities that coaching and guiding children brings, and well understands that in many instances a message imparted, and lessons learned by kids, will apply well beyond the footy field as they grow and mature.