Interview With David Darcy

[The Coon Dog]

David Darcy 1963-66 & 1968-71
133 games, 47 goals.




TCD: Hi David & thank you for your time.

DD: You’re welcome.

David, where did you grow up?

I grew up in Sunshine.

Who did you play your junior football with?

I used to go to Our Lady’s school & played there & when I was 15 I started playing with Sunshine YCW.

Who did you barrack for?

Essendon. My Dad was from Flemington & supported the Bombers. I was fortunate enough to see John Coleman’s first game of VFL football. It was against Hawthorn in round 1, 1949 & he kicked 12 goals on debut. Incidently he later coached me when I played for Victoria.

So how did you get to Footscray?

In 1962, a mate of mine, Bob Gray encouraged me to try out with the Under 19’s as they were paying £1 per game. That year Melbourne encountered a flu epidemic so the likes of George Bissett, Ivan Marsh, myself & a few others were promoted to play with the reserves. We ended up winning the reserves premiership that year.

When did you play your first senior game for Footscray?

In round 1, 1963. It was against North Melbourne at Arden Street, it was also George Bissett’s first game. We lost by a few goals (MN 11.11.77 d Foots 5.10.40). I played at CHF on Peter Steward.

When did you first play at full back?

At the end of the 1963 season, we played in the night competition at South Melbourne. Ted Whitten was carrying an injury so the selection committee decided to pick him at full back. When we got out there, Teddy came up to me & said that he wasn’t playing at full back & I’d have to go down there, so I did.

Who were some of the better players you played with at Footscray?

* John Schultz – he wasn’t overly tall, but was a tireless ruckman.
* Ted Whitten – could do everything!
* Bob Spargo – a terrific runner & very quick.
* John Jillard – a great defender & so reliable.
* Graham Ion – 5 foot 10 CHF who was very courageous.

You would have played on some great full forwards. Tell me about some of them.

* Peter Hudson – he was the Hawthorn forward line. The forward pockets played up on the wings. For his size he had great pace & manouverability.
* Doug Wade – strong overhead & had a big frame.
* Peter McKenna – was great on the lead & had some handy players delivering it to him.
* Alex Jesaulenko – he was the most difficult to play on. His ground level play was as good as anyones.

You went to South Australia for a year in 1967. What happened there?

I was employed by British Tubemills, who transferred me to Adelaide. Footy didn’t pay the bills in those days.

Who did you play for in Adelaide?

I played with South Adelaide, though I missed the first 9 games as Footscray wouldn’t clear me. I only ended up playing 10 games & came 3rd in the Magarey Medal.

Why did you return to Footscray in 1968?

I was transferred back to Melbourne & played with the Bulldogs until I retired in 1971.

You went back to Adelaide again?

Yes, I went for 3 years & ended up staying for 28. The first 2 years I was captain coach of South Adelaide & the 3rd year as coach. I was doing plenty of media in Adelaide & met K.G. Cunningham, with whom I first got into the hotel industry with in 1979.

When did you return to Melbourne?

I came back for family reasons in 2000. It was the right time, my father was ill, my eldest son was returning from New York & wanted to get into the hotel industry. It also game me the chance to watch Luke play.

Speaking of Luke, you must have been thrilled when he was drafted under the father/son rule.

Yes, I was ecstatic, very happy for him.

Do you still follow the Bulldogs?

Yes, very much so, not as much last season. My mother will be 90 years old in January & she watched every game both Luke & I played. Last season it was just too difficult for her.

Before we go, which hotel?

The Precinct Hotel in Richmond. (The website is www.precincthotel.com.au)

Thanks David.

You're welcome.

[GVGjr]

I can't recall seeing DD play however, everyone that remembered him playing said he was just terrific. For a couple of years I used watch games from the Can Bar and I guy that I often sat with (former U19's coach) often praised David's playing ability and his word was good enough for me. He once told me that very very few players kicked more than 3 on David.
I saw some highlight of David playing and I think one of his great strengths was his long kicking.

Nice get TCD.

[LostDoggy]

Classy Full Back who kicked beautiful Drop Kicks

Also got to wear the Big V

[bornadog]

Great player, loved watching him as a kid, one of the best fullbacks to play the game and as mentioned above, also played for the VICS.

[Go_Dogs]

His other good quality is his love of SA

Good interview TCD, I've never read or seen much at all of Darcy Snr, so thank you very much.

[strebla]

Another cracker thanks Coon Dog

[Mantis]

Nice one CD.

Like the EJ comment.

[bornadog]

[The Dogs Bollocks]

thanks again TCD

[merantau]

Yes, thanks for the interview with David Darcy. He was a great player at full back for many years and could snag a goal when sent forward as well. An excellent mark and a beautiful kick he had pace and wasn't afraid to back his judgement and play in front as required. I class Geoff Southby in the same mould as Dave Darcy. Scrupulously fair, talented footballers who gave their all for their respective clubs.