Shocking news hits AFL: David 'Grave Danger' Granger passes away at 69
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The Australian Football League (AFL) community mourns the passing of one of its most controversial yet talented stars, David ‘Grave Danger’ Granger, who succumbed to cancer aged 69.
An exceptional player and a figure that sparked many conversations both on and off the field, Granger maintained an unforgettable presence in Australian sports history.
Nicknamed ‘Grave Danger’, David Granger was a larger-than-life character adored by many yet despised by some among those who got a glimpse of his athletic prowess on the field.
His league journey, spanning over a decade, was peppered with 92-goal leaps and heart-stopping moves that contributed to his memorable career.
Granger played as a key forward for Port Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) from 1975 to 1982, appearing in 103 games.
Granger's former club made the announcement of his passing on Friday, March 8.
'The Port Adelaide Football Club is saddened by the passing of two-time premiership player David Granger, who passed away yesterday at the age of 69,' the announcement read.
Besides Port Adelaide, Granger also contributed valuable plays to St Kilda, where he played three Victorian Football League (VFL) games in 1979.
Port Adelaide Chief Executive Matthew Richardson expressed his condolences to Granger's family.
'David had battled health issues in recent years, and it's sad to learn of his passing. He was a modern-day type player, 188cm tall, athletic, and strong,’ Richardson lauded.
‘David was exceptionally talented and was instrumental in the club’s drought-breaking 1977 Grand Final victory,' he added.
However, the glinting spotlight of Granger's athleticism was, at times, overshadowed by the 'bad boy' image he acquired due to several destructive bouts on the field.
A famously remembered incident was the 1981 Grand Final, where Granger landed a shocking blow on Glenelg player Neville 'Twiggy' Caldwell, effectively putting the rest of Caldwell’s career in jeopardy.
The following year in the preliminary final, Granger's fists met Glenelg's Graham Cornes in another infamous encounter.
Off the field, he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2002 after a whopping 17kg of cannabis, estimated to be worth $35,000, was discovered at his home.
Yet, amidst the controversies, Granger's comrades painted a different picture of the man, highlighting his contribution to Port Adelaide's Premiership successes in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His 1981 Premiership captain, Brian Cunningham, said, 'His football talent and enormous skills were often underplayed due to his notoriety.'
He continued: ‘He was misunderstood by others outside the club, and sadly, I don’t think we ever saw the best of David’s raw talent consistently on the field.’
'I will remember him as enormously talented and someone who played a key role in our premiership successes.'
While public opinion and Granger’s personal history generated a controversial image, followers of the AFL would likely agree that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to David ‘Grave Danger’ Granger.
His unyielding contributions to AFL made him a powerhouse player during his time, despite the many controversies trailing his career.
You can watch some of his clips here:
Our thoughts and prayers are with David Granger’s family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
An exceptional player and a figure that sparked many conversations both on and off the field, Granger maintained an unforgettable presence in Australian sports history.
Nicknamed ‘Grave Danger’, David Granger was a larger-than-life character adored by many yet despised by some among those who got a glimpse of his athletic prowess on the field.
His league journey, spanning over a decade, was peppered with 92-goal leaps and heart-stopping moves that contributed to his memorable career.
David Granger passed away at the age of 69. Image source: Port Adelaide Football Club
Granger played as a key forward for Port Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) from 1975 to 1982, appearing in 103 games.
Granger's former club made the announcement of his passing on Friday, March 8.
'The Port Adelaide Football Club is saddened by the passing of two-time premiership player David Granger, who passed away yesterday at the age of 69,' the announcement read.
Besides Port Adelaide, Granger also contributed valuable plays to St Kilda, where he played three Victorian Football League (VFL) games in 1979.
Port Adelaide Chief Executive Matthew Richardson expressed his condolences to Granger's family.
'David had battled health issues in recent years, and it's sad to learn of his passing. He was a modern-day type player, 188cm tall, athletic, and strong,’ Richardson lauded.
‘David was exceptionally talented and was instrumental in the club’s drought-breaking 1977 Grand Final victory,' he added.
However, the glinting spotlight of Granger's athleticism was, at times, overshadowed by the 'bad boy' image he acquired due to several destructive bouts on the field.
A famously remembered incident was the 1981 Grand Final, where Granger landed a shocking blow on Glenelg player Neville 'Twiggy' Caldwell, effectively putting the rest of Caldwell’s career in jeopardy.
The following year in the preliminary final, Granger's fists met Glenelg's Graham Cornes in another infamous encounter.
Off the field, he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2002 after a whopping 17kg of cannabis, estimated to be worth $35,000, was discovered at his home.
Yet, amidst the controversies, Granger's comrades painted a different picture of the man, highlighting his contribution to Port Adelaide's Premiership successes in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His 1981 Premiership captain, Brian Cunningham, said, 'His football talent and enormous skills were often underplayed due to his notoriety.'
He continued: ‘He was misunderstood by others outside the club, and sadly, I don’t think we ever saw the best of David’s raw talent consistently on the field.’
'I will remember him as enormously talented and someone who played a key role in our premiership successes.'
While public opinion and Granger’s personal history generated a controversial image, followers of the AFL would likely agree that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to David ‘Grave Danger’ Granger.
His unyielding contributions to AFL made him a powerhouse player during his time, despite the many controversies trailing his career.
You can watch some of his clips here:
Our thoughts and prayers are with David Granger’s family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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