David Antonowicz

Recruited from the Western Jets as a 17-year-old project player with pick 44 in the 1997 National Draft, David Antonowicz endured a challenging apprenticeship after crossing the Nullarbor. A tall key position prospect capable of playing at either end, the Victorian navigated a nomadic path through the local state league, representing Subiaco, Claremont, and East Perth in successive seasons while developing his frame. He finally broke into the Eagles' lineup midway through 2000, playing three consecutive games as a defender and gathering 11 disposals against Essendon, but struggled to retain his spot in a side undergoing a difficult transition period under Ken Judge. While he tasted success as a member of East Perth’s 2001 WAFL premiership side, Antonowicz was unable to add to his AFL games tally and was delisted at the end of that season, eventually returning to Victoria to campaign with Werribee in the VFL.