David Schwarz is a former Australian Football League (AFL) player and Melbourne Football Club Life Member, multimedia personality (TV, radio and podcast), public speaker, MC and presenter, partner of Assembled Media and partner of My Hab trauma, rehabilitation and addiction treatment centre in Melbourne, Australia.
David was at the top of his game when a pre-season injury sidelined him for over two years. Following three knee reconstructions, his brilliance in the forward line saw him win the club's 1999 Best and Fairest, and play a key role getting Melbourne to the 2000 Grand Final.
David retired from AFL football in 2002, after an 11-year career and 173 games. During his football career, David had a gambling addiction. Soon after finishing football, he was forced to turn this around.
In 2007, the ALH Group (Australian Hospitality & Leisure) appointed David as their Responsible Gaming Ambassador to provide employee education and customer awareness about the importance of “being honest with yourself about your gambling.”
In 2010, David launched his autobiography All Bets Are Off, an honest and courageous account of his life and his gambling addiction.
In 2012 The David Schwarz Program won the International Gaming Award for Best Responsible Gambling Program at an award ceremony in London.
David is a mentor and currently presents education on problem gambling, addiction and wellbeing for corporate organisations, schools, the sporting industry and through local government projects.
David is currently on national radio SEN and 3AW in Melbourne and is a MC, host and motivational speaker for corporate and sporting events.