David Rodan (born 8 October 1983 in Fiji^[1]) is a professional Australian rules footballer.

On the 1st of June 2008 against Fremantle, he became the first Fijian born player to reach 100 AFL games.

[edit] Early life

David Rodan was born in Fiji and his parents brought him to Australia when he was just 3 years old.^[2] His father wanted him to play rugby union, but there were no rugby clubs for juniors in his area. Instead, he tried Aussie Rules, beginning junior football with Oak Park and the Holy Child Football Club in Broadmeadows, and he developed a passion for the sport.^[3]

Rodan rose through the junior ranks until dominating in the TAC Cup competition, winning back to back Morrish Medals (2000 and 2001).

[edit] AFL career

[edit] Richmond Tigers

Rodan was recruited by AFL club Richmond Tigers at the end of 2001 at pick 33. He played every game for two years (from his debut in 2002), and was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in his debut season.

Playing for Richmond played as a small crumbing forward along with Andrew Krakouer in the early part of his career, until the retirement of Matthew Knights, he was later moved into the midfield.

Rodan quickly earned the endearment of Tigers fans and is nicknamed 'D-Rod'.

Unfortunately for him and the Tigers he injured his knee and spent the entire 2005 season on the sidelines after a promising pre season, coming back slowly through Richmond's VFL affiliate the Coburg Tigers. Rodan made a return to league football in 2006, but was delisted at the end of the season, controversially first hearing of his sacking at the club's best and fairest function via an impromptu speech from captain Kane Johnson. [1]

[edit] Port Adelaide and Career Revival

Rodan's career was given a reprieve when he was picked up by Port Adelaide with the final selection of the 2006 AFL draft, where he was to join his cousin Alipate Carlile. Port have had great success' with recycled players over the years. Other notable recycled players on Port's current list include Daniel Motlop.

Rodan had an outstanding 2007 season in which he did not miss a game. His hard tackling (in the league top 10), strength, goal sneak ability and accuracy (28 goals, 7 behinds for the season), explosive bursts of pace and his ability to break the lines with his footwork were highlights of his game in 2007, and he averaged 11 possessions a game. Rodan received 6 Brownlow Medal votes at the 2007 medal count including a best on ground 3 votes for his round 12 performance, putting him in the top 60 players in the competition. His success in 2007 was capped by his appearance in all of Port Adelaides finals games and his ultimate selection in the Port Adelaide side for the 2007 AFL Grand Final. He finished his season finishing sixth in the Port Adelaide club best and fairest.

Rodan created a sensation in Round 14 in 2008 at TIO Stadium in Darwin when he celebrated what would have otherwise been a difficult to kick goal before realising that he had kicked it at the wrong end of the ground and had actually instead scored a point for the Western Bulldogs.

[edit] Personal Life and media appearances

Rodan has expressed his desire to see Australian rules football in Fiji succeed, and is an ambassador for Aussie Rules Pacific.

Rodan was one of the stars of the Players Revue on the 2008 AFL Footy Show Grand Final spectacular, performing a breakdancing routine.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• David Rodan profile on the Official AFL Website of the Port Adelaide Football Club
• David Rodan's statistics from AFL Tables

v • d • e Australia squad – 2008 International Rules Series Captain: Harvey | Bock | Boyd | Brennan | Brown | Burgoyne | Campbell | Crowley | Firrito | Foley | Hayden | Montagna | Motlop | Murphy | Osborne | Pendlebury | Petrie | Rodan | Rooke | Sewell | Simpson | Selwood | Thomas | Thompson | Wells | Coach: Malthouse