Leader News|
WHEN David Gallagher unexpectedly left Sandringham before the start of the 2012 season, it appeared the career of one of the VFL's most decorated players of the past decade had come to a hollow end.
The free-wheeling wingman known as "Gags'' played in three premierships and 150 senior games for the Zebras, winning two best and fairests.
But he'd become frustrated with the alignment with St Kilda and walked away.
But he's back. Gallagher, 32, yesterday signed with stand-alone club Frankston and will play in the reserves practice match this Saturday against Port Melbourne.
Dolphins coach Simon Goosey said he spoke to Gallagher before Christmas but was unable to agree to terms with him.
They made contact again last week and a position became available on the list when Dandenong Stingrays recruit Ryan Morrison returned to Narre Warren.
Gallagher dropped in to Frankston's practice match against Coburg last Saturday, telling Goosey he was impressed.
"He said he saw real spirit among the boys and he wanted to be part of it,'' Goosey said.
"He's gone away and thought `Gee, I really want to be involved down there'.''
As for recruiting a 32-year-old, he said Gallagher would bring experience and leadership to the club.
"He bridges a gap we have in terms of having some older guys around. We've really only had `PK' (Paul Kennedy) as a role model.
"The way David goes about his footy, with real passion and desire, he's going to be a player for our young guys to look up to.
"He'll brings toughness to us, toughness as in putting his head over the ball.''
He said Gallagher was a fitness fanatic and would quickly pick up match conditioning.
The speedy right-footer played at Adelaide and Carlton before joining Sandy in 2003.
He figured in the 2004-05-06 premierships, won the 2004 and `09 best and fairests, was selected in VFL teams of the year in 2004, `06, `07 and `09, and captained the Zebras in 2011
