Knights Old Boys come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some draw huge crowds through their exploits on the field, while others draw people to them for other reasons.
Dave Morley was such a person.
Earmarked by inaugural coach Allan McMahon as someone he wanted in the club to make it a better place, Dave (or Big Dog as he was affectionately known) did exactly that. Through the size of his personality, his generosity of spirit and his genuine love of the club and the players in it, he made it a happy place to come to. It’s no coincidence he plied his trade during the club’s golden era.
First as team manager, then Football Manager under a number of our greatest coaches, Dave saw the rise of some legendary players and our most cohesive teams. At a time when the game wasn’t fully professional, Dave made sure the mix between the coach’s needs and the downtime the players wanted was pitch perfect.
As publican at Cooks Hill’s Cricketers arms, his pub and his home became ours. He was particularly protective and generous to new boys to town. Often housing and feeding kids from the NSW bush or Queensland making sure they learnt about ‘The Newcastle Way’. It’s a way that he lived his own life and which was the recipe for so much success at the Knights.
It’s not often that football players talk about love, but there’s no doubt Dave Morely loved the players and we, him.
Farewell Big Dog.
Funeral Details are as follows:
Wednesday 22nd 12 noon Sacred Heart Church
