David Wirrpanda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids David Wirrpanda |
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Wirrpanda with West Coast in 2005
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | David Selwyn Burralung Merringwuy Galarrwuy Wyal Wirrpanda |
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| Nickname(s) | "Wirra" | ||
| Date of birth | 3 August 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Carlton, Victoria, Australia | ||
| Original team | Healesville (YVMDFL) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender, forward | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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David Wirrpanda (born 3 August 1979) is a famous former Australian rules football player. He is best known for his time with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).
David was chosen by the West Coast Eagles in the 1995 draft. He played his first game for the club in 1996. He was only 16 years and 268 days old, making him the youngest player ever to play a senior game for the Eagles.
In his early years, injuries made it hard for him to play regularly. But by the early 2000s, he became a key player. He usually played as a defender, helping to stop goals. His amazing skills led to him being picked for the 2005 All-Australian team. The next year, he was part of the West Coast team that won the 2006 AFL Grand Final against Sydney.
Towards the end of his career, David also played as a forward, scoring goals. He retired at the end of the 2009 season, having played 227 games for the club. After football, he started the Wirrpanda Foundation. This group helps Indigenous Australians. He also tried to enter politics in 2013.
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Early Life and Football Beginnings
David Wirrpanda was born in Melbourne, Australia. He has Yorta Yorta Indigenous heritage. He grew up in Shepparton, Victoria.
When he was at Parkmore Primary School, he once kicked an amazing 32 goals in a single football game! He later went to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville. This school was started by his mother's family. He began playing football for Healesville's under-9s team. Later, he joined the Eastern Ranges team in the under-18 TAC Cup.
David Wirrpanda's Football Journey
David Wirrpanda was a star player for the Eastern Ranges in 1995. Scouts from the West Coast Eagles noticed him. They brought him to Perth to join their team.
Youngest Player for the Eagles
David made his first game for West Coast in Round 5 of the 1996 AFL Season. He was only 16 years and 268 days old. This still makes him the youngest player to ever play for the Eagles.
Early in his career, David faced challenges. Injuries and changing form meant he played only 12 games in his first three seasons. During this time, he also played 25 games for East Perth in the WAFL.
Becoming a Star Defender
By the mid-2000s, David's career really took off. He became a very important player for the Eagles. He mostly played as a small defender. He was great at getting the ball out of defence.
In 2005, he had an amazing season. He was chosen for the All-Australian team. This team features the best players from across the league. His ability to clear the ball from defence was a big reason for the Eagles' success that year. He continued his strong form in 2006. He played his 150th AFL game with a fantastic performance.
Premiership Glory
David almost missed the 2006 AFL Grand Final because of an injury. But he recovered and was able to play. He took the spot of his teammate, Jaymie Graham, who had played every game that season. To show his respect for Jaymie, David played the game with Jaymie's number 22 written on his hand. The Eagles went on to win the premiership that year!
In 2007 and 2008, David played both in defence and sometimes as a forward. He used his excellent kicking skills to set up plays and score important goals for his team. He finished his career having played 227 games and kicked 131 goals for the Eagles.
Retirement and Future Plans
In September 2009, David Wirrpanda announced he was retiring from football. He felt it was time for younger players to get a chance. After his son was born, he also wanted to spend more time with his family. He also wanted to focus on the foundation named after him.
David has said he hopes to stay involved with the West Coast Eagles in the future. He even mentioned he might one day join the club's board.
Life After Football
David Wirrpanda is well-known for his community work. He helps improve the lives of young Indigenous Australians. He started The David Wirrpanda Foundation in 2005.
In 2007 and 2008, The Bulletin magazine named him one of the most influential Aboriginal Australians. He also received the 2009 award for Young Western Australian of the Year.
David has two sons, Marley (born 2009) and Eli (born 2010), with model Shannon McGuire. He also hosts a Saturday morning radio show in Perth called "Dead Set Legends."
In 2010, David took part in the TV show Dancing with the Stars. He decided to leave the show early to focus on his foundation. This showed how dedicated he is to his charity work.
