David Schwarz

About David

David Schwarz played 173 games of AFL football across an 11-year career with the Melbourne Football Club, of which he is a Life Member. His career was defined by both brilliance and setback — three knee reconstructions kept him off the field for more than two years, yet he returned to win the club's 1999 Best and Fairest and play a key role in getting Melbourne to the 2000 Grand Final. He retired in 2002, but the story that shaped what came next had been running throughout: a gambling addiction that he kept largely hidden during his playing days.

After football, David turned that chapter into a purpose. In 2007, the ALH Group appointed him as their Responsible Gaming Ambassador, delivering employee education and customer awareness programmes across Australia. In 2010, he published All Bets Are Off — a candid account of his addiction and recovery. Two years later, the David Schwarz Program won the International Gaming Award for Best Responsible Gambling Program in London. That trajectory, from active addiction to international recognition for addressing it, gives his message a credibility that no script could manufacture.

David currently presents on national radio at SEN and 3AW in Melbourne, and works as an MC, host, and speaker for corporate and sporting events. He is also a partner at My Hab, a trauma, rehabilitation, and addiction treatment centre. His sessions — on problem gambling, addiction, and wellbeing — are suited to sporting organisations, schools, local government programmes, and corporate events where the audience values lived experience over polished messaging.