Footy great who made history with the West Coast Eagles dies after six-year cancer battle
Former footy star Peter Davidson has died at the age of 60 following 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’ inaugural team of 1987 and played in the club’s history-making victory over Richmond in their very first game in the AFL.
However, injuries meant Davidson played just one more senior game for the Eagles and he announced his retirement from footy at the end of 1989.
Yet his retirement only lasted a matter of months as he joined the Bears for the 1990 season.
Peter Davidson has died at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer
His time in Queensland was short-lived, playing seven games for the club to bring his career total to nine. Injuries again blighted Davidson, 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 hard-running style of play 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 game against Richmond alongside other founding players from the 1987 season, but was unable to go as he was gravely ill and receiving palliative care in Collie, 200km from Perth.
A number of his old teammates visited him on Saturday to say a final farewell and he died on Tuesday.
Both West Coast and Brisbane posted statements on social media paying tribute to Davidson, while an outpouring of emotional comments were made by fans and friends.
‘Rest easy Davo, I’m remembering 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 great man taken way too soon….’ a friend wrote.
The former wingman was part of the inaugural team at West Coast Eagles in 1987
‘Great footballer, nicest of blokes you would want to meet, condolences to Roscoe and Jeff sad loss,’ one fan said.
A second fan added: ‘RIP Davo, what a legend! Thinking of all the family, sending all my love.’
A third said: ‘Very sad — great memories of a ripper bloke — condolences to the family.’
‘Saddened by the loss of this talented sportsman. My heart goes out to his beloved family. May Peter RIP,’ another added.
