David Harris (Australian footballer)
Australian rules footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David George Harris (born 12 July 1946) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Geelong in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
| David Harris | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | David George Harris | ||
| Born | 12 July 1946 | ||
| Original team | St Peters / Geelong West | ||
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) | ||
| Position | Centreman | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1969–1972 | Geelong | 44 (20) | |
| Coaching career3 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (W–L–D) | |
| 1975–1976 | Hobart | 38 (19–19–0) | |
| 1983–1986 | Geelong West | 77 (47–30–0) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1972. 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 1986. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Playing career
Harris, originally from St Peters, spent his early career with Geelong West in the Victorian Football Association (VFA).[1][2] A centreman, Harris was "best on ground" in Geelong West's 1968 premiership team and polled the third most votes in the Field Trophy (Second Division).[1][3]
He was recruited to Geelong in 1969 and after debuting in round nine remained in the side for the remainder of the season, including the club's semi final loss to Richmond.[4]
In 1970 he appeared in the opening four rounds of the season, then broke his collarbone and didn't play seniors again that year.[4][5]
He had an injury free 1971 season and played in all 22 rounds, amassing 369 disposals.[6]
During the 1972 season, Harris returned to Geelong West, where he finished the year playing in another premiership team.[1] He was appointed captain in 1974 and had a good enough year to win the best and fairest, finish equal sixth in the J. J. Liston Trophy count and earn selection in the "VFA Team of the Year".[1][7]
Coaching years
His senior coaching career began in 1975 when he was appointed captain-coach of Hobart.[8] He coached Hobart for two seasons.[9]
Harris coached the Geelong reserves to three successive premierships, in 1980, 1981 and 1982.[10]
From 1983 to 1986, Harris was coach of Geelong West and led the club to the finals in 1983 and 1984.[1][11]