Australian Football

The embodiment of smooth-running elegance and panache, David Marshall was arguably one of the most eye-catching South Australian footballers of his generation. 

He joined Glenelg straight from Plympton High, and made his league debut in 1978. Combining perfect balance with exemplary ball-handling and disposal skills, he was a Bay stalwart for the ensuing 13 seasons, which were highlighted by starring roles, on a half forward flank, in the Grand Final wins of 1985 and 1986 against North Adelaide. Marshall won a club best and fairest award in 1990, a season which also saw him finish as a joint runner-up in the Magarey Medal voting. 

When the Adelaide Football Club was formed at the end of the 1990 season, David Marshall was an inaugural squad member, and, between 1991 and 1993, he played a total of 26 AFL games and kicked 14 goals for the fledgling combination. He was particularly impressive during the Crows' debut season, but after that he spent a fair amount of time back with Glenelg, for whom he had played a total of 353 SANFL games and kicked 289 goals by the time he retired in 1993. 

He continued to play good football right until the end of his career, as was evidenced by his selection as South Australian state league captain for a clash with Western Australia in his final season. Marshall represented his state on three occasions.

Author - John Devaney