‘Misunderstood’ footy great dies after controversial career that saw him nicknamed ‘Grave Danger’ and busted for drug trafficking
- Helped Port Adelaide win a premiership
- Brought modern elements into the game with his skills and big frame
- Before his death, he struggled with health problems
Ex-Port Adelaide player David Granger has died after a long battle with cancer.
The 69-year-old – who was nicknamed ‘Grave Danger’ – died on Thursday, according to a statement from his former club released just after midday on Friday.
“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,” a club spokesperson said in the statement.
Granger played mainly as a key striker representing Port Adelaide in 103 games from 1975 to 1982. In between, he played three games for St Kilda in 1979.
Controversial Port Adelaide player David ‘Grave Danger’ Granger has died after a battle with cancer
Granger was a key striker who represented Port Adelaide in 103 matches from 1975 to 1982
Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson offered his condolences on behalf of the club to Granger’s daughter Carly and the rest of his family.
“David has struggled with health issues in recent years and it is sad to hear of his passing,” he said.
“David was an incredibly talented player during Port Adelaide’s reign in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
‘He was a modern player, 188 centimeters tall, athletic and strong. David was exceptionally talented and played a key role in the drought-breaking 1977 Grand Final victory.”
The football star was considered a controversial figure both on and off the field.
Although Granger was a talented player, his career was marred by a series of violent acts on the field
Granger also had his problems off the field: he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2002 after possessing 17 kg of cannabis
He was known for a series of violent incidents during his more than decade-long career, including one incident in which he punched Glenelg player Neville ‘Twiggy’ Caldwell during the 1981 grand final, ending the player’s football career .
He also reportedly beat Glenelg player Graham Cornes in the following year’s grand final.
He was convicted of drug trafficking in 2002 after 17kg of cannabis with an estimated value of up to $35,000 was found in his home.
1981 Premier League captain Brian Cunningham said ‘his footballing talent and immense skills were often underplayed due to his fame’.
Cunningham said that while the public was not always fond of Mr. Granger, he will personally remember him as a loyal team man.
“He was misunderstood by others outside the club and unfortunately I don’t think we ever saw the best of David’s raw talent on the pitch consistently,” he said.
‘I will remember him as immensely talented and someone who played a key role in the successes of our premiership in the late 1970s and early 1980s.’