In 1980 the Shepparton Football Club recruited a physical education teacher David Code to play with the club. David had been raised in Melbourne and had played in the Victorian Amateur Football Association prior to playing 6 senior VFL games with the Melbourne Demons.

From the moment he ran out onto Deakin reserve he had a tremendous impact on the club and the league. He was appointed Assistant Coach under Rowland Crosbie and immediately weaved his magic as a utility player who oozed class in everything he did.

The fans soon realised that a star had arrived at Shepparton. The quietly spoken Code was someone very special and he soon became everyone’s favourite player for the Maroons.

David, a thorough gentleman, was a prolific ball getter who delivered the ball with great accuracy. His brilliance caught the notice of umpires, League selectors and the media.

He was a wonderful team man and his team mates loved playing alongside of him. He earned great respect from everyone who saw him play.

It was not surprising that when the votes for the League’s 1980 Morrison Medal were counted at seasons end, David Code was the winner by a large margin.

He also won his club’s best player award that year.

Following his wonderful first season, his brilliant form continued and it was no surprise to see him easily win the Morrison Medal again in 1981.

Naturally, the GVL selectors chose David to represent the League in Country Championship matches.

He captained the GVL team between 1981 and 1986 and continued his brilliant form wearing the purple and gold.

He was a great captain who was inspiring and received wonderful support from the players from all clubs who greatly respected him as a player and a person.

He played a total of 18 games in the purple and gold League colours, including being captain of the 1984 Country Champion team.

David was appointed Captain/coach of Shepparton in 1983 and 1984.

He then followed his friend Rowland Crosbie to Tatura where he played from 1984 to 86, winning the Bulldogs best player award each year.

David had made such an impact representing his League that the VCFL selectors chose him to captain the VCFL representative team from 1983 to 1986.

His performance as captain and as a player at that level left nothing to be desired.

There is something special about a person who gives his all, not only to his club but to his League and his state.

David Code was something special and his dedication to Victorian country football is now legendary.

On leaving the Goulburn Valley to play under Rowland Crosbie at Devonport in Tasmania, he won the Tasmanian League’s Best and Fairest award in 1987.

David was so respected by the VCFL that he was appointed as the General Manager of the Victorian Country League.

He was so highly regarded within the VCFL that the VCFL best player on the ground against the Victorian Amateurs each year is awarded the David Code Medal.

In 2007 David was named in the Goulburn Valley Football League’s “Team of Champions”.

David is a true champion and a thorough gentleman.

Now in 2015 it is with great pleasure that we induct David Code into the Goulburn Valley Football League Hall of Fame.