Footy great who made history with the West Coast Eagles dies after six-year cancer battle
- Peter Davidson has passed away after a battle with cancer
- The 60-year-old played in West Coast’s first match
- He was a popular figure among teammates and fans
Former football star Peter Davidson has died aged 60 after a six-year battle with cancer, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
Davidson was a popular former player and represented West Coast Eagles and Brisbane during his career.
He was part of the Eagles’ first team in 1987, playing in the club’s historic victory over Richmond in their first ever game in the AFL.
However, injuries meant Davidson only played one more senior game for the Eagles and at the end of 1989 he announced his retirement from footy.
Yet his retirement lasted only a matter of months when he joined the Bears before the 1990 season.
Peter Davidson has died at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer
His time in Queensland was short-lived, playing seven games for the club, taking his career total to nine. Davidson was once again plagued by injuries, and he subsequently left the AFL and returned home to Western Australia.
He averaged over 20 disposals for the Bears and was praised for his running style on the wing.
Davidson played for East Fremantle in 1992 and won the premiership that same year.
He was invited to attend last Sunday’s match against Richmond, along with other founding members from the 1987 season, but was unable to go as he was seriously ill and was receiving palliative care in Collie, 200km from Perth.
On Saturday, some of his old teammates came to visit him to say their final goodbyes and he passed away on Tuesday.
Both West Coast and Brisbane posted statements on social media paying tribute to Davidson, while a flood of emotional comments were made by fans and friends.
‘Rest in peace Davo, thinking of the diving and fishing trips we had, you made working at Alcoa a bit of fun, condolences to Kirsty, Jack, Alyssa and all the families, truly a wonderful man gone far too soon …’ wrote a friend.
The former wingman was part of the inaugural West Coast Eagles team in 1987
βGreat footballer, nicest guy you would want to meet, condolences to Roscoe and Jeff, sad loss,β said one fan.
A second fan added: ‘RIP Davo, what a legend! Thinking of the whole family and sending all my love.β
A third said: ‘Very sad β fond memories of a ripper guy β condolences to the family.’
‘Saddened by the loss of this talented sportsman. My heart goes out to his beloved family. May Peter RIP,β another added.