“I think the goal was actually the easy part of what he did.” Such was the description offered by Channel Seven’s special comments expert – and recently retired Collingwood captain – Nathan Buckley, in recounting Leon Davis’ magnificent goal during the live broadcast from Subiaco Oval on August 29.

It was an effort that six weeks later was adjudged the AFL’s 2008 goal of the year. How astute Buckley was, after Davis applied a tackle and dispossessed an opponent, then scooped the ball up under pressure, spun around a pursuing Docker and calmly slotted a major from 45 metres out. Close to the boundary line, no less.

Davis has always been able to conjure six-point miracles and make it look easy, ever since he made his debut in round one of the 2000 season as a shy, skinny, indigenous kid from Perth.

The hard part for ‘Majo’, as he is referred to by his teammates in recognition of his magical talents, has been his ability to develop into a well-rounded and consistent contributor.

Davis’s 2008 season was the best of a nine-year career that has spanned 161 games, capped by being awarded the JF McHale Trophy for running fourth in the best-and-fairest voting. It was his first top-five finish and only second top-10 placing (10th in 2007) in Copeland Trophy voting.

““I’m surprised he hasn’t finished in the top 10 more often,” said Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, who has been at the helm of the Magpies for the entirety of Davis’ career. “Overall I think he’s played some very, very good football throughout his career and particularly in the last three or four seasons.”

Malthouse is clearly proud of what the 27-year-old has achieved, having seen him develop into a player now capable of being damaging right across the field, as opposed to a skilful forward confined to the front half of the ground.

To read the full article, purchase the 2008 Yearbook edition of the In Black & White magazine.

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