Born:Melbourne, Victoria
11 March, 1955
In a sport which Australia has produced many great international players, Perth’s David Bell ranks amongst the highest achievers.
He is widely recognised as the finest right half-back to play for Western Australia and Australia in a career stretching from 1974 to 1986. in 1986 internationals for Australia, including 36 as captain, Bell was noted for his skilful efficiency in the midfield and his fine leadership qualities.
Bell was first selected for WA in 1974 and gained national selection immediately after that debut, He was in the team that won a silver medal in Montreal, Canada, his first Games.
In London in 1986, Bell captained Australia to its first World Cup Championship victory and his leadership and inspirational play was a key factor in that achievement. Bell was a wonderful all-round player with exceptional skills in tackling and passing. His quick reflexes and anticipation gave him precious time to produce his unerringly accurate disposal.
Although he played as an inside forward and at centre half for both WA and Australia, it was at right half that Bell excelled. Rarely were his colours lowered in duels against some of the world’s leading forwards. Bell was a superbly balanced player with wonderful vision and an uncanny capacity for timely interceptions in deep defence. Bell played for WA from 1974-87 and was State captain from 1985-87. After his retirement as a player he coached the WA team from 1990-97. In 1992 and 1996 he was the assistant national coach at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games.