Australian Football

Shorter and more lightly built than his older, more famous brother Stephen, David Kernahan nevertheless boasted impressive skills, but was ultimately prevented by injury from making the most of them.

Playing mainly as a wingman, Kernahan commenced with Glenelg in 1984 and went on to play precisely 100 SANFL games and kick 24 goals in four seasons with the club. The undoubted highlights were playing in the Bays' 1985 and 1986 grand final triumphs.

In 1988 David Kernahan followed in brother Stephen's footsteps when he crossed to VFL club Carlton. After struggling to find his feet initially, he proved what a good footballer he was by claiming consecutive fifth place finishes in the Blues best and fairest counts of 1990 and 1991. The improved form coincided with a move from his customary position on a wing to full back where he was solid, persistent and resolute. However, in 1992 and 1993 he was restricted to a total of just 8 games because of nagging hamstring and groin injuries. After the 1993 season he called time on a V/AFL career which had seen him play 53 games and kick 8 goals.

Author - John Devaney