In our first edition of where are they now what better way than to start with Pistol Pete Davey who returns to Victoria to take on the coaching job at The Banyule Football Club in 3rd Division of the NFL in season 2017
Pete’s first introduction to Cracknell Reserve was when in 1998 when he came up to watch his brother play a game for Watsonia. 30 mins before the bounce when it became clear that the Saints were going to be short, he was talked into running around (whilst still a Donvale player) and lined up on the wing next to an opponent who would have looked more at home on stage in an 80s tribute band than a football field.
For the next 100 minutes they ran back and forth on the Eastern wing, neither of them getting anywhere near the footy. Whilst he was playing under a bogus name, history would reveal that so too was his opponent, Michael Murphy. Two years later when Pete arrived at Panton Hill as a player, they reunited and shared a friendship along with many, many Sundays at The Depot. Both would continue for my entire career as a Red Back and beyond.
Pete came to “The Hill” as a player courtesy of an invitation from an old school friend, Brett Thorn, and quickly became friends with his former Epping teammates, Glenn Oakley and Brad Chircop.
Over the following 11 years he enjoyed his favourite period in the game. Playing under Garry Ramsay was a privilege and unbeknownst to me at the time, much of my future approach to coaching would be based upon his teachings and more importantly, his passion for each of his players and club.
For Pete the highlight of his time at Panton Hill was by far the upset Elimination Final Win against NFL Power house Greensborough and being part of that team that wasn’t just good on the park, but great off it.
The lowlight had nothing to do with playing but was the horrendous phone call received with news of the passing of everyone’s mate, Chircs.
Upon retiring for the 3rd and final time, Pete relocated to Canberra and became involved as coach of the Woden Football Club where he was fortunate enough to guide the Wooden Blues to a premiership in 2015.
Returning to Melbourne this year with wife, Emily and son, Noah, Pete will be taking on the senior coaching position attHE Banyule Football Club in 2017 and whilst he said it will be a surreal and likely unnerving experience he hopes to one daybring his own team up to the Hill to take on the club that he will always consider his home. Whilst he still keeps in contact with good friends Will Box and Chris Cahir, he looks forward to reading the stories and finding out where his long list of past teammates are these days.
Last Modified on 24/10/2016 19:27
