Twice named as an AFL All-Australian, multiple State of Origin representative and holder of an AFL/VFL record for playing in preliminary finals for 7 consecutive years, former North Melbourne player David King is an outspoken and at times controversial commentator who shoots from the hip.
David King debuted for the Kangaroos in 1994 after being recruited from Port Melbourne. He went on to play 241 games and kicked 145 goals, and was a member of the winning Premiership teams of 1996 and 1999.
A niggly in-your-face backman who liked to let the opposition know that he was around, King quickly gained a reputation for being fast and hard at the ball. He played most of his first season in the ones, however, didn’t really find his niche until 1996 when coach Denis Pagan shifted him from the wing to defence.
Notorious for his capacity to run 20-30 metres out of defence then fire a 60-metre torpedo, King’s dash and enthusiasm were vital ingredients for the Roo’s over many seasons.
King played every game in 2004, but his form fluctuated late in the year and he was often used off the bench. Although he probably could have squeezed out another season, he came to a consensus with the club that he would retire.
After retirement David held an assistant coaching position with the Richmond Football Club, he then moved into the media winning the Most Outstanding Television Special Comments award at the 2012 AFL Media Awards. He is currently seen on Fox Footy weekly in the AFL Season and calls the game for SEN1116.
Speaking with a passion he is as hard with his chat as he was with the ball when playing...and just like those playing days, he doesn’t fear the consequences when he does go in hard.