- Peter Davidson has died after a battle with cancer.
- The 60-year-old played in the West Coast opener.
- He was a popular figure among teammates and fans.
Former football star Peter Davidson has died at the age of 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’ inaugural team in 1987 and played in the club’s historic victory over Richmond in its first AFL game.
However, injuries meant that Davidson played only one more game for the Eagles and he announced his retirement from football at the end of 1989.
However, his retirement only lasted a few months when he joined the Bears for the 1990 season.
Peter Davidson has died aged 60 after 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 ruined Davidson, so he subsequently left the AFL and returned to his home in Western Australia.
He averaged over 20 kills for the Bears and was praised for his tough 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 along with other founding players from the 1987 season, but was unable to go because he was seriously ill and receiving palliative care in Collie, 200 kilometers from Perth.
Several of his former colleagues visited him on Saturday to say goodbye and he died on Tuesday.
Both West Coast and Brisbane posted statements on social media paying tribute to Davidson, while fans and friends made an outpouring of emotional comments.
‘Rest easy Davo, I’m remembering the diving and fishing trips we had, you made working at Alcoa a bit of fun, my condolences to Kirsty, Jack, Alyssa and all the families, a great man abandoned too soon. ..’, wrote a friend.
The former teammate was part of the inaugural West Coast Eagles team in 1987.
“Great footballer, nicest guy you’d ever want to meet, condolences to Roscoe and Jeff, sad loss,” said one fan.
A second fan added: ‘RIP Davo what a legend! Thinking of the whole family, sending all my love.’
A third said: “Very sad, great memories of a ripper guy, my condolences to the family.”
‘Saddened by the loss of this talented athlete. My heart goes out to his loving family. May Peter rest in peace,” added another.