David Grant

Recruited from Tasmania as a highly touted junior who had captained his state’s Under 16 side, David Grant broke into senior football at St Kilda while still a teenager. Though standing just 184cm, he developed a reputation as a courageous and versatile utility capable of playing much taller than his height. For much of his time at Moorabbin, he was tasked with manning key defensive posts against the era's monster forwards, using a formidable vertical leap and disciplined checking to punch above his weight at centre half-back. His versatility also saw him swung forward to superb effect, notably acting as a spearhead when Tony Lockett was unavailable and twice booting hauls of five goals against Melbourne.

Grant’s standing in the game peaked in 1991 when he earned All-Australian selection on a half-back flank and represented Tasmania in State of Origin football. His loyalty to the Saints was tested in 1992 when he refused a trade to Sydney, remaining at the club for another three seasons before eventually being dealt to Melbourne for a late draft pick. His time with the Demons was brief, managing just seven games in 1996 before retiring agonisingly close to the 200-game milestone. He later cemented his legacy in the state leagues, playing in a VFL premiership with Sandringham the following year.