lozza63
15 Jan 2012, 20:41
Leon Neon Davis
DOB - 17.06.1980
Drafted - pick # 34 1999
Highlights
All Australian - 2009, 2011
Goal of The Year - 2008
Most Brownlow Votes - 10 2009
Games 2011 - 21 career 225
Goals 2011 - 7 career 270
2011 disposals - avg 22
2011 kicks - avg 16.1
2011 handballs - avg 5.9
Background:
One word that springs to mind when describing Leon is enigmatic. A wonderful servant to Collingwood for 12 seasons, dubbed by Brian "BT" Taylor as "Neon", he was, over his career, to both thrill and frustrate the Magpie Army.
When he started at Collingwood, he was very quiet, could not have weighed much more than 65kg "wringing wet". Neon, exceptionally gifted, was to endear himself to fans as a small forward - kicking 31 goals in 2002 - he quickly gained cult status, as broadcast over the airways - Rex/Bt would shrillingly chortle Neeeeeoooonnn....... goooaaaalllll! Sadly despite his strong 2002 he made no impact on either the scoreboard or the stats sheet in the 2002 Grand Final, much to the fans disappointment. He spent his first 6 years as a small forward - from 2007 as his body and tank developed he was given stints in the midfield.
For one so short in stature, had a great leap, a very strong mark, and with blistering pace, possessed the uncanny ability to "make the footy sing" above mere mortal AFL players. Over his long distinguished career he was to average over a goal per game. He possibly produced his best footy in 2009, gaining 10 brownlow votes and claiming his first All-Australian honours. Neon was the first indigenous player to play 100 and 200 games for the Pies. In 2010 he was again to suffer a form slump, although he retained his spot for most of the year due to his tackling and ability to provide forward pressure. In the tied Grand Final vsSt Kilda he was again quiet, and despite kicking a vital goal, was replaced in the replay - thankfully he received a Premiership Medallion.
2011
Following his indifferent 2010, it may have been thought that Neon would be nothing but a depth player this season, and didnt get a full game till round four. That was to prove so far from the truth, in probably his most consistent season of his career, in a made to order role of re-bounding defender - one which he performed to an extremely high level earning him 2nd All Australian honours and a 5th placing in the Copeland Medal. Neon very strong one on one, and able to drift forward a kick more than the odd goal.
Highlights 2011
For me 3 games spring to mind as his best:
A 28 possession, 21 kicks and 7 handballs, 5 tackles against Essendon in the Anzac Day game.
The 36 touches, including 30 kicks and 6 handballs 2 goals in a master class display of brilliance.
Although starting a little nervously in the Prelim vs Hawthorn, his 21 kicks, 2 handballs and team lifting goal in the final quarter off his left foot was masterful.
His Grand Final game was quite solid also 20 touches - including 11 tackles was well in among the best for the Pies.
2012 and Beyond
Alas Neon has returned home to Perth - we shall miss his magical skills and self deprecating demeanor and we all wish him the best in the future as we reflect on the many games that we rose out of our seats squeeling Neeeeeooooonnnnn!
DOB - 17.06.1980
Drafted - pick # 34 1999
Highlights
All Australian - 2009, 2011
Goal of The Year - 2008
Most Brownlow Votes - 10 2009
Games 2011 - 21 career 225
Goals 2011 - 7 career 270
2011 disposals - avg 22
2011 kicks - avg 16.1
2011 handballs - avg 5.9
Background:
One word that springs to mind when describing Leon is enigmatic. A wonderful servant to Collingwood for 12 seasons, dubbed by Brian "BT" Taylor as "Neon", he was, over his career, to both thrill and frustrate the Magpie Army.
When he started at Collingwood, he was very quiet, could not have weighed much more than 65kg "wringing wet". Neon, exceptionally gifted, was to endear himself to fans as a small forward - kicking 31 goals in 2002 - he quickly gained cult status, as broadcast over the airways - Rex/Bt would shrillingly chortle Neeeeeoooonnn....... goooaaaalllll! Sadly despite his strong 2002 he made no impact on either the scoreboard or the stats sheet in the 2002 Grand Final, much to the fans disappointment. He spent his first 6 years as a small forward - from 2007 as his body and tank developed he was given stints in the midfield.
For one so short in stature, had a great leap, a very strong mark, and with blistering pace, possessed the uncanny ability to "make the footy sing" above mere mortal AFL players. Over his long distinguished career he was to average over a goal per game. He possibly produced his best footy in 2009, gaining 10 brownlow votes and claiming his first All-Australian honours. Neon was the first indigenous player to play 100 and 200 games for the Pies. In 2010 he was again to suffer a form slump, although he retained his spot for most of the year due to his tackling and ability to provide forward pressure. In the tied Grand Final vsSt Kilda he was again quiet, and despite kicking a vital goal, was replaced in the replay - thankfully he received a Premiership Medallion.
2011
Following his indifferent 2010, it may have been thought that Neon would be nothing but a depth player this season, and didnt get a full game till round four. That was to prove so far from the truth, in probably his most consistent season of his career, in a made to order role of re-bounding defender - one which he performed to an extremely high level earning him 2nd All Australian honours and a 5th placing in the Copeland Medal. Neon very strong one on one, and able to drift forward a kick more than the odd goal.
Highlights 2011
For me 3 games spring to mind as his best:
A 28 possession, 21 kicks and 7 handballs, 5 tackles against Essendon in the Anzac Day game.
The 36 touches, including 30 kicks and 6 handballs 2 goals in a master class display of brilliance.
Although starting a little nervously in the Prelim vs Hawthorn, his 21 kicks, 2 handballs and team lifting goal in the final quarter off his left foot was masterful.
His Grand Final game was quite solid also 20 touches - including 11 tackles was well in among the best for the Pies.
2012 and Beyond
Alas Neon has returned home to Perth - we shall miss his magical skills and self deprecating demeanor and we all wish him the best in the future as we reflect on the many games that we rose out of our seats squeeling Neeeeeooooonnnnn!