David joins the 350 club

David Halliday is in a unique group of three at the Redcliffe Leagues Hockey Club, having reached a Brisbane Division One milestone.

On September 12 he became only the third Redcliffe player to make 350 Brisbane Division 1 appearances when he lined-up against Commercial. His tally now stands at 352.

The other two members of this remarkable club are Kent Harle, who played a total of 383 games and Jordan Harle who made 356 appearances.

It’s a staggering achievement. David, who is now 38, started in Redcliffe’s juniors at the age of five and made his first-grade debut at 15 in 1998. He plays mainly as a striker.

“Not too many people have reached 350 games and to have three in one club is quite an achievement,” says Redcliffe Leagues Senior Men’s Chairman Damien Budd.

“You have to have played virtually every game year after year to achieve that. I know he’s proud to be a one-club man.

“David loves the game and is a fierce competitor. He gives everything for any team he’s playing for. Everything David has achieved is down to hard work.”

David has strong family ties to the Redcliffe club, which started in 1932 and entered the top-grade senior men’s competition in 1960 - is cousin Daniel Pritchard is also playing first grade as did David’s father Ian.

In 2003 Redcliffe won the Brisbane Division 1 and David scored the winning goal in the grand final victory over Easts. It remains one of his career highlights along with winning junior premierships.

David was in the 2009 Redcliffe team which won the Brisbane Division 1 Minor Premiership and the following year scored a season-best 20 goals. His career tally is currently 134.

“I think it’s a passion for the sport and the special club which keeps me going,” David said. “Everyone put in and helps out, doing what ever needs to be done.

“I think one of the best things about the club is the way everyone supports the juniors. I coached juniors for seven or eight years and now I’m playing with some of those boys.

“There are a few niggling injuries and I am the oldest member of the team, but I’ll continue as long as my body lets me. I’ve played every position but in goal this season.”

Fact file

1998 – Made top grade debut for Redcliffe aged 15

2003 – Won Brisbane Division 1 with Redcliffe scoring winning goal in grand final

2009 – Won Brisbane Division 1 Minor Premiership

2010 – Scored career-best 20 goals

2020 - Becomes only third man to play 350 Division 1 games for Redcliffe Leagues

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Photography by Lee Oliver and Andrew Blanchard