Leon Davis in Adelaide to play one-off game for Kenilworth in Amateur Football League
FORMER Collingwood star Leon Davis knows a thing or two about surprise football retirements.
FORMER Collingwood star Leon Davis knows a thing or two about surprise football retirements.
After the 2011 season, in which he earned his second all-Australian selection, Davis shocked many AFL fans by hanging up the boots, aged 30, after 225 games.
Contract talks with the Magpies had broken down and when another suitable opportunity did not arise, the skilful right-footer returned home to WA to play in the WAFL and be with his family.
The decision sits well with him today, in a week Port Adelaide games record holder Kane Cornes has sparked debate by drawing the curtain on his career mid-season to join the Metropolitan Fire Service.
In Adelaide to make a one-off appearance for division four amateur club Kenilworth Saturday, Davis said, like himself, Cornes was going out on his own terms.
“Things didn’t quite work out the way I wanted them to but it was a win-win for myself because I was able to go home, back to my culture, back to my family,” Davis, now 33, said.
“The first year when I left I’d watch the boys play every weekend and miss it like crazy but then the next day I’d go bush with my old man and my brothers, and that was something I loved doing.
“At the time it was a decision I was comfortable with and it sits fairly comfortable with me now.
“Kane’s had a great career and you’ll have his supporter base wishing he didn’t leave ... but no one can make that decision for you but yourself.
“As long as he’s happy with his decision, that’s all that matters.”
These days Davis plays with his younger brother Robert in the Avon Football Association for the Quairading Bulls, a team based 160km east of Perth.
Davis’s link to Kenilworth is his son Levi, who joined the club’s under-9s this season, and father-in-law Cecil Graham, a long-time Kookaburras volunteer.
Levi is a Collingwood supporter and wears the number one guernsey, like his dad.
“It’s something that he wanted to wear and it took me by surprise that he still remembered,” Davis said.
“There’s some signs (of talent) there but as long as he’s enjoying himself and having fun, that’s the main thing.”
Kenilworth sits second-bottom on the ladder with a 1-4 record.
Davis said he was happy to play anywhere for the Kookaburras and was keen to chalk up a win.
“Walking into the change rooms, a couple of the boys are a bit pumped up already so it’s good to have that effect on them and hopefully that can help them play well.”