Thought for this week’s “Remembering” piece that a bit of writing on David King might be in order.
David King, dual premiership player with the Roos, two-time All-Australian and simply a brilliant footballer … someone who opposition clubs’ supporters hated playing against, but who at the same time would have him on their side in the blink of an eye.
Coming from Port Melbourne, his toughness at the ball was legendary, and his hard running and long kicking an integral part of the “Pagan’s Paddock” style of play the Kangaroos favoured.
My enduring memory of him comes from a game early in 2000, when Richmond seemed to have stepped up a notch and were looking to make a statement against the reigning premier.
This game was one of the most hectic, high-scoring and completely mad games I’ve ever attended. There was never more than a goal or two in it through the first three quarters.
Gaspar did his usual blanket job on Wayne Carey, Richo and Ottens were playing well, Rory Hilton and Wayne Campbell were racking up possessions at will – but whenever Richmond got close, it seemed that another North Melbourne player would pop up for a couple of goals.
Peter Bell, Shannon Grant, Brent Harvey, David Calthorpe, Shane Clayton – all kicked multiple goals that night. But most damaging was one D King.
In a best-afield display, King continually pumped the ball forward, but also just smashed his way through the Tiger midfield on the way to 23 touches and 5 goals – each with its own David King style of fist pumping celebration, each a dagger through the heart of a Richmond side trying so hard.
After there being only a goal or two in it at the last change, King and the Kangaroos hopped away with 7 goals to one in the last quarter. Final score – Richmond 20.14 134 to Kangaroos 27.8 170.
I decided then and there I simultaneously hated David King, but wanted him at Richmond.
Ultimately, he arrived at Richmond, but only after hanging up his boots at the end of last season following 241 games between 1994-2004 and 145 goals.
He has, aptly, already started kicking goals in his support role at Richmond, and is making a big impact during the week and on match days.
His knowledge of the Kangaroos’ system, players and plans will be a big boost for the Tigers this week as they try to beat one of their “bogey” sides of the last few years.
) over 80 yards in the 2008 World Cup and is brilliant at kick offs.
