Dave Baxter

Dave Baxter commenced playing senior football for North Clare in 1926 and as a gangly lightly built teenager he found it difficult to get a regular game. Despite his brother Joe going off to the city to play for South Adelaide, Dave became a regular in the forward line for North Clare in 1928. Possibly inspired by the opportunities made available to his brother, Dave became an efficient goalscorer finishing the year with 26 goals. He won the trophy for the team’s most consistent player. The next season saw Dave who had now grown to be a strapping six feet three inches receive more time as a ruckman. He got better as the season passed and played a key role in North’s premiership team.

In 1930 Dave transferred in employment to the South East and lined up for the Wolseley club. He became their focal point at centre half forward and had brief spells in the ruck. Wolseley made it to the grand final but lost narrowly to Mundulla. Dave was cleared to Serviceton in 1931 and had an immediate influence on their team with the red and blacks winning their first five matches.

Unfortunately, Dave played in yet another losing grand final in 1932. Mundulla were red hot favourites for the 1932 flag but through Dave’s efforts Serviceton took it right up to them. Dave’s individual efforts during the season were first class, he kicked 22 goals for the season and starred in the annual clash with the Narracoorte association.

Dave’s standing as a quality centre half forward continued to grow in size and strength along with his skill and confidence. Dave finished the 1933 season with 41 goals and was a key contributor in Serviceton’s 1933 premiership victory. He capped an amazing season winning the best and fairest medal for the Tatiara Football League.

Dave’s continued improvement in the difficult centre half forward position had not gone unnoticed and he was signed to play the 1934 season with the Richmond Football Club. His first season of VFL football was rewarded with him being a part of Richmond’s 1934 premiership team. Dave played in 16 matches for the Tigers and was presented with the Hoyts Cinema Cup for being voted Richmond’s most popular player.

Dave would go on to play 47 games for Richmond over three seasons and kick 53 goals, citing a back ailment as the reason for his premature retirement. His son David junior was a member of the Tigers under 19s 1973 premiership side and his brother in law Leo Merrett was a member of Richmond’s 1943 senior premiership team.

Dave made a comeback in 1938 with Serviceton, playing as a permanent forward pocket but he was merely a shadow of the high marking athletic player who was a VFL star. Although he continued receiving treatment and showed signs of improvement, his grand final ‘stats’ of six kicks and seven marks were still way short of his best. After WWII he became a highly respected non playing coach at Bordertown.