This week, we chat with Australian football star of the GWS Giants Phil Davis.The key defender, who was initially drafted at pick eight in the 2008 AFL draft, is one of the game’s best natural talents. When he’s not keeping opponents at bay in the foreward line, Davis is hosting his podcast The Phil Davis Podcast, where he speaks with some of the most interesting people from inside and outside of footy.

This time on the opposite side of the mic, Davis chats with M.J. Bale about his recent Mornington Peninsula wedding, where he married the love of his life Greta on a day that he describes as the “best day of his life”.

Here’s Phil and Greta’s story.

M.J. Bale: Hi Phil! Congratulations on your wedding! Can you tell us how you and Greta first met?

Phil Davis: I first met Greta after the city to surf in North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. I was attending with my friend Adam Kennedy and she was there, fortuitously.

 

MJB: And was it love at first sight?

PD: She made a very memorable impression and one that lasted. Was it love at first sight, I guess it was!

MJB: What was it about Greta that made you fall for her?

PD: There were lots of things, actually. She is incredibly caring, fun, funny, intelligent, down to earth and warm.

MJB: Tell us about the proposal. Where was it? How did it happen? Was it a surprise?

PD: We were up in Byron Bay for some time off after the 2020 footy season. Greta has organised a sunrise breakfast at the Lighthouse in Byron Bay for my birthday, but I took the chance to surprise her and propose instead. It was a perfect moment (and perfect sunrise, too).

MJB: Can you tell us a bit about your choice to don an MJ Bale number for the wedding? Were you chuffed with the final outcome?

PD: I have been lucky to wear M.J. Bale many times for big events such as the Brownlow Medal and Best and Fairest. So, when thinking about my wedding suit, I immediately decided that M.J. Bale would be the way to go. After some initial discussions, we settled on a look that consisted of a white jacket, bow tie and black pants - it was all perfect. I received so many compliments on the day and have received a lot since.

MJB: Can you both talk to us about the venue for your wedding, where it was, and what was the inspiration? It looked stunning!

PD: It was at a private winery called Tanglewood Estate in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula. Tanglewood had a connection to us through Greta’s sister Ursi and her partner Luke - whose family own it. Greta had visited Tanglewood first a few years before and loved it, and when we returned a couple of years ago it was an immediate “this is the place”. The weather ended up looking after us and the whole day was perfect.

MJB: Have you had a honeymoon yet, or any plans for one?

PD: We are doing two honeymoons (laughs). The first one is to Tasmania. This was booked a while ago as we have been trying to go for two years but we haven’t been able to make it. Then we return to Melbourne for two great friends weddings before we head off to Thailand for some pure R&R before the footy preseason starts up.
 

MJB: You mentioned via IG that your wedding day was the best day yet: better than any Footy game, achievement or sporting accolade?

PD: Without a doubt, it was the best day of my life. It trumped any football game
or other related achievement or moment. It has a bigger high than a big win and the feeling lasted a lot longer.

 

MJB: Lastly, does life feel any different for you guys now that you're married, or is it business as usual?

PD: We are still very much in the whole wedding bubble now which is great fun. Business as usual is coming, but delaying that for as long as we can.