Bob Davis (Australian rules footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Davis |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Robert Davis | ||
| Date of birth | 12 June 1928 | ||
| Place of birth | Golden Point, Victoria | ||
| Date of death | 16 May 2011 (aged 82) | ||
| Place of death | Geelong, Victoria, Australia | ||
| Original team | Clunes (CHFL)/ Golden Point (BFL) | ||
| Career highlights | |||
Robert "Bob" Davis (born 12 June 1928 – died 16 May 2011) was a famous Australian rules footballer. He played and coached for the Geelong Football Club in the VFL. Bob was also well-known for his fun personality on TV after his playing days.
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Starting His Football Journey
Bob Davis was born in a town called Clunes. As a teenager, he went to Ballarat College. He loved the South Melbourne football team. He even tried out for them, but they didn't pick him.
So, Bob went back home and played for a local team called Golden Point. Luckily, talent scouts from the Geelong Football Club noticed him. They invited him to try out for their team.
Playing for Geelong
Bob Davis was nicknamed "Woofa". He joined the Geelong Football Club in 1948. He played there until 1958. He usually played as a half-forward flanker.
Becoming a Star Player
Bob played his first game in 1948. At first, his old club, Golden Point, didn't want to let him go. But after some talks, Geelong got him cleared to play. By 1949, he was good enough to play for the state team, Victoria.
Bob was 183 cm (about 6 feet) tall. He was super fast and determined. People called him "The Geelong Flyer". This nickname came from a fast train that traveled between Melbourne and Geelong.
Winning Championships
Bob was a key player for Geelong. He helped them win two VFL championships (called premierships) in 1951 and 1952. He was also the team captain from 1955 to 1958.
In 1952, another team, South Adelaide, wanted Bob to be their coach. He even moved there for a short time. But Geelong didn't want to let him go. So, he returned to Geelong and stayed with the club for the rest of his career.
Coaching Success
After his playing career, Bob became a coach. He coached Geelong from 1960 to 1965. In 1963, he led Geelong to another VFL premiership. They beat Hawthorn in the Grand Final.
Life After Football
Bob Davis was a very popular person. He had a unique, lively voice. He often said, "fair dinkum unbelievable," which many people copied in a funny way.
He became a well-known TV personality in the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared on popular sports shows like World of Sport and League Teams. He worked alongside other football legends like Lou Richards and Jack Dyer.
Remembering Bob Davis
Bob Davis passed away on 16 May 2011, after being unwell for some time. Before a game between Carlton and Geelong that week, everyone held a minute of silence to remember him.
His first football club, Clunes, even changed their team colors for one game. They wore Geelong-style jerseys with both club logos and Bob Davis's name on the back. It was a special way to honor him.
