At Carlton : 1978 - 1981
Reserve Games : 39
Reserve Goals : 4
Guernsey No. 44 (1979 - 1981) and 52 (1978)
Height : 188 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 81.5 kg (12 stone, 12 lbs.)
DOB : 19 April, 1960.
David Whillas joined Carlton’s Under 19 squad from West Brunswick in 1978, after playing his junior football with the Paramount Football Club in Fawkner. He experienced immediate success with the Blues, winning consecutive Under 19 Premierships in 1978 and ’79. David Whillas also represented the Victorian U/16's with fellow Blue Wayne Harmes.
Over the next two seasons the solid redhead played consistently in defence for Carlton Reserves without earning promotion to the seniors, so at the end of the 1982 season, he followed the path of many before him and requested a clearance to neighbouring VFA clubs Coburg and later Brunswick. Whillas was starved of senior opportunities due to the huge depth of quality Blues defenders, he had ability but it wasn't enough for him to get a game ahead of the likes of Doull, Hunter, Southby, Perovic, Austin, Harmes, Klomp, McConville etc.
In 1982 an opportunity came up to move to Western Australia and play for Claremont in the WAFL, Whillas would play a few games in the west that would include opening two winning games with Claremont. Whilst playing at Claremont and wearing #21 he would also play one NFC game when Claremont played North Melbourne in the night series knock out competition which was played out at VFL Park in Waverley under lights on a Tuesday night. In this game he would line up on the Mighty Malcolm Blight, Whillas would hold his own by keeping him to a solitary goal during this game. David Whillas would then come back to Victoria and he headed to VFA club Coburg where he played a single game for the Lions that year.
In 1983 Whillas headed to another local VFA club in Brunswick, ‘Wilbur’ became a reliable and effective centre half-back for the Wicks, leading their defence playing at Centre-Half Back when Brunswick defeated Oakleigh in the 1985 2nd Division Grand Final. Two former Blues including Robert Lawson, (and ex-Bomber) in Tony West also represented the Association Magpies that day. Whillas would captain Brunswick in the 1986 season in First Division after they gained promotion after winning the Second Division Grand Final the previous season.
In 1989, Whillas crossed to rival VFA club Williamstown, and added another Grand Final appearance to his record when the Seagulls went down by 20 points to Coburg.
Age has not wearied David Whillas's passion for the game as he is still playing in the over 50's for the Diamond Valley Masters in 2021.
Football folklore has it that at around 1981, Whillas played a role in getting 1987 Carlton Premiership player Paul Meldrum to Princes Park, by urging ‘Molly’ to keep pressing the Blues for an the opportunity to showcase his ability in a practice game – a ploy that was ultimately successful for both Meldrum and the Blues.
Career Highlights:
1978 - Under 19 Premiership1979 - Under 19 Premiership
1979 - Under 19 Best in Finals
1980 - 5th Place Reserves Best and Fairest
1980 Round 6 - David Whillas Banner on the fence in a game Vs North Melbourne.
1988 Williamstown's David Whillas