The Collingwood Football Club wishes to acknowledge the passing of former player Dave Little, who died last week.
Dave joined us in 1953 from Korumburra as a relatively mature age recruit, having just turned 22 before heading to Victoria Park. He was a high-leaping ruckman who was particularly skilled at palming the ball to his rovers, and he turned heads after his early practice match showings, sparking a clearance dispute with his local club.
That was settled in time for Dave’s debut, in Round 1 of 1953 against South Melbourne, and again he won rave reviews, with rovers Bob Rose and Lou Richards later enthusing about his ability to give them an ‘armchair ride’ with his tap work.
Unfortunately Dave’s career never quite took off in the way his early performances had indicated was likely, and he could not secure a regular senior berth. In the end he managed 10 senior games and 30 in the reserves over two-and-a-half seasons before being cleared to Preston midway through 1955.
He would go on to play 50 games with the Bullants, would later represent NSW while living there and also secured three competition best and fairest awards in the Bass Valley and Wonthaggi Football League when he returned to Gippsland.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge Dave Little’s contribution to our footy club. Our thoughts are with his family, and all his friends from Collingwood, Gippsland and beyond.
Side by Side.
To read Dave’s full story and the stats from his career, check his bio on Forever:
