Australian Football

David Grenvold was a solid, resourceful defender who may not have boasted an abundance of natural talent but could never be questioned over his courage, application and resolve. He began with Glenelg in 1984 and it would be fair to observe that he had some difficulty establishing himself. When the Bays won the grand finals of 1985 and 1986 Grenvold was missing; he would get his chance to experience premiership glory later, however.

Drafted by Essendon in 1987 Grenvold crossed to Victoria a couple of years later and, after playing a dozen senior games in his debut season, went on to become a virtual ever present in 1990, including the disappointing loss to Collingwood in that year's grand final. A knee injury sustained in a pre-season practice match caused him to miss the entire 1991season but he displayed typical fortitude in coming back to play some of his best football in ensuing seasons. The highlight of those seasons was the Bombers' thrashing of Carlton in the 1993 grand final, a game which saw Grenvold producing a typically energetic and determined performance across half back. Earlier in the season he had helped his home state of South Australia to a memorable triumph in the last ever state of origin championships.

Grenvold continued to produce useful football in 1994 and 1995 but a recurrence of his old knee problems precipitated his departure from AFL football in 1996 after 112 games. In 1997-8-9 he resumed at Glenelg, taking his final tally of games with that club to 101.

Since retiring David Grenvold has remained involved in football, occupying a number of administrative and management roles.

Author - John Devaney