Best known for his achievements on the footy pitch, it’s David Ronan’s dancing chops that have most impressed his sons.
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Having played for the Richmond Tigers, Port Adelaide Power and the Melbourne Demons, David became the first Fijian-born player to reach 100 AFL games.
The accolade, however, was slightly over-shone by that of his mirror-ball win back in 2014… at least in the eyes of his four sons, Tevita, Maikeli, Tomasi, and Salesi.
It was David’s wife Carla, founder of fashion company Styling The Tribe, who previously explained that while the boys were too young to comprehend their dad’s sporting achievements as they were happening, they were enthralled by his dancing stint.
“The boys were of age to understand that Daddy was doing really well, it’s had a much greater impact on them than his 12-year AFL career (much to his disgust),” she told Flat Out Mum in 2015, adding that the boys are much more invested in footy nowadays.
During David’s 2014 stint on Dancing With The Stars, his days consisted of work and his nights consisted of rehearsal, meaning family time was limited.
The former athlete has been quick to sing his wife’s praises during this time, explaining how she expertly held down the fort.
“I’m lucky I have an amazing wife who’s phenomenal in looking after (the kids) and going above and beyond,” he told the Daily Mail following his win.
For David and Carla, they’re firm believers in a “relaxed” parenting style.
“(The kids) have a clear – unofficial – code of behaviour which we model as parents and in turn they replicate when dealing with one another and others,” the mum-of-three told Flat Out Mum. “Respect, Empathy and Honesty are values that we wish to install in our boys.”
Another thing David has been passing on to his sons is his love of dance, confessing he would boogie with them every night before they went to bed.
“We play whatever they want from Chris Brown, to Michael Jackson, to Iggy Azalea, so everything we just chuck it on, and we dance for thirty minutes, they get their energy out and we also have a dance together, so it’s a nice moment I have with my sons,” he told the Daily Mail.
Following his first DWTS stint, the AFL alum added some new dance moves to his repertoire, assuring that they would come handy with Carla.
“When we go to parties, or even in the kitchen at home, I can give her a little twirl.”
As proud as ever of his family, recently celebrating his first son’s first day of high school, David is quick to pay tribute to his loved ones on his social media.
Having celebrated their twelfth wedding anniversary in October 2021, David shared a gushing post to the mother of his children.
“🤵🏾♂️💍👰🏻Twelve years married to this incredible human today, and many more loving you,” the former athlete wrote on Instagram.
“Happy wedding anniversary baby, so glad I made it back to Melbourne to celebrate our love together. My lifesaver and reason behind all I do.”
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