Norwood Football Club, nicknamed the Redlegs, is an Australian rules football club competing in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) in the state of South Australia. Its home ground is Coopers Stadium (Norwood Oval), which is often referred to as "The Parade". It is one of the two traditional powerhouse clubs of the SANFL, the other being Port Adelaide, who together have won half of all SANFL premierships (see Port Adelaide–Norwood SANFL rivalry). The club has won 31 SANFL premierships and 1 SANFLW premiership.

Norwood
Names
Full nameNorwood Football Club
Nickname(s)Redlegs
MottoFortis in Procella
(Strength in Adversity)
2023 season
After finals7th
Home-and-away season7th
Leading goalkickerConnor McLean (24)
Best and fairestNik Rokahr
Club details
Founded28 February 1878; 146 years ago (28 February 1878)
ColoursNavy blue, red
   
CompetitionSouth Australian National Football League
PremiershipsSANFL (31): 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1891, 1894, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1929, 1941, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1997, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022

SANFLW (1): 2017
Championship of Australia (2): 1888, 1907
NFL Championship Series (1): 1977

WWII Patriotic League (2): 1943, 1944 (as Norwood-North Adelaide)
Ground(s)Coopers Stadium (Capacity: 10,000)
Uniforms
Home
Other information
Official websitenorwoodfc.com.au

History

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1878–1899: Nineteenth-century powerhouse

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Left: Alfred "Topsy" Waldron was South Australia's first football celebrity. Poached from Carlton after the 1878 VFA season, he would go on to win nine premierships with Norwood, captaining the club to its inaugural national title.
Right: Norwood's victorious 1888 Championship of Australia team.
1888 Champions of Australia Wins Losses Total
Norwood 3 0 3
South Melbourne 0 3 0
Venue: Kensington Oval, Adelaide

The Norwood Football Club was formed at a meeting held at the Norfolk Arms Hotel in Rundle Street, Adelaide on 28 February 1878: it was resolved that the club colours would be those of the old Woodville Club.[1] At a subsequent meeting with 12 members present at the Norfolk Arms Hotel on 14 March the colours were confirmed as blue guernseys and knickerbockers, and red stockings and cap.[2] The new club gained a number of leading players from the then recently dissolved Woodville Football Club (1868–1877), including its Captain J.R. (Joe) Osborn who would become Norwood's inaugural Captain.[3]

Norwood's first home ground was the current CBC College oval in the east Park Lands near the tramway and opposite the Kent Town Brewery.[4]

Norwood played their first SAFA match against South Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on 16 May 1878, who were the current reigning premiers from the inaugural season: Norwood went on to win the match 1 goal to nil, with future Australian Test cricketer and Captain George Giffen kicking Norwood's goal from a running kick.[5] During this match the players donned distinctive red stockings which gave rise to the nickname 'Redlegs', the moniker which has remained synonymous with Norwood ever since.[6]

1889 SAFA Premiership Playoff
Australia's First Grand Final.
G B Total
Norwood 7 4 7
Port Adelaide 5 9 5
Venue: Adelaide Oval Crowd: 10,000

Norwood won a premiership in its first year of existence and then followed with five more in a row. Only Port Adelaide in 1954–1959 has managed to repeat the feat of winning six premierships in a row. Norwood eventually won 11 pennants between 1878 and 1899 and was the most successful team of the 19th century. In 1883, after winning the pennant for the sixth successive year, Norwood became the first South Australian club to record a win over a Victorian team, when it defeated Essendon.[7] In 1888, Norwood were proclaimed 'Premiers of Australia' when they defeated South Melbourne in three matches at Kensington Oval.

Norwood and Port Adelaide became famous rivals after a particularly tough match in 1894.[8]

Early champions of the club include Alfred 'Topsy' Waldron, who captained the club for nine years; Alby Green, the first player to win the Magarey Medal for the best and fairest player in the competition in 1898; and Anthony 'Bos' Daly, who kicked 88 goals in 1893, including an astonishing 23 goals in one match. Daly's goal tally would not be surpassed for another 37 years, and his tally of 23 goals in one match has only ever been equalled by the great North Adelaide full forward goal kicker Ken Farmer in 1940. Daly was widely regarded as "the greatest South Australian footballer from 1877 to the close of the nineteenth century".

1900–1915: pre-WWI era

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Left: Norwood's victorious 1907 Championship of Australia team.
Right: Seven-time Norwood leading goalkicker William Miller
1904 SAFA Challenge Final G B Total
Norwood 9 8 62
Port Adelaide 8 10 58
Venue: Jubilee Oval Crowd: 11,000[9]

The 1904 Grand Final was a memorable one for Norwood who were down by 35 points at three-quarter time against traditional rival Port Adelaide. Norwood then produced an extraordinary burst of football with a goal by centre half forward Dean Dawson followed by two goals each from full forward, Bill Miller and half forward flanker, Stan Robinson. Norwood was only two points down with a minute remaining. Tommy Gibbons held a mark on a seemingly impossible angle. His kick sailed through the goal posts to give Norwood a four-point victory 9.8 to 8.10.

1907 Championship of Australia G B Total
Norwood 13 12 90
Carlton 8 10 58
Venue: Adelaide Oval

Norwood were proclaimed the Champions of Australia again in 1907 when they defeated the Victorian premier, Carlton, 13.12 to 8.9 after Norwood scored 7 goals in the first 20 minutes of the third quarter. Norwood would beat Carlton again in 1921, but on this latter occasion both clubs were runners up in their respective competitions.

1919–1944: Interwar period and WWII competition

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1922–1924: Thomas Leahy success

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For his brief coaching stint, Thomas Leahy proved remarkably successful, leading the Redlegs to back to back premierships in 1922 and 1923, a feat that would not be repeated for 90 years.

1925–1929: Walter Scott era

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Walter Scott was captain-coach of the Norwood Football Club for five years, leading his team to two grand finals in 1928 and 1929, winning the latter against Port Adelaide.[citation needed]

1945–1956: Jack Oatey era

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Over a coaching stint of 12 years, Jack Oatey led the Redlegs to three premierships in 1946, 1948, 1950.[citation needed]

1957–1973: Premiership drought

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The period spanning the 1951 and 1973 seasons, totalling twenty three years, was the club's longest without a premiership.

1974–1979: Robert Hammond era

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1977: NFL night series premiers

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1977 NFL Grand Final G B Total
East Perth 9 7 61
Norwood 10 9 69
Venue: Norwood Oval Crowd: 12,000

Robert Hammond would lead the Redlegs to two premierships, one in 1975 and the other in 1978.

In 1977, Norwood defeated East Perth for the NFL night series premiership. Both of these clubs would later make bids to enter the VFL: East Perth in 1980 and Norwood in 1986. Norwood would go on to win the game 10.9 (69) to East Perth's 9.7 (61). This would be Norwood's third and last title in a national competition. Norwood were awarded $50,000 (equivalent to $313,547 in 2022) for their win.[10]

1978: 100 years of the Norwood Football Club

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1978 SANFL Grand Final G B Total
Sturt 14 26 110
Norwood 16 15 111
Venue: Football Park Crowd: 50,867

1978 was Norwood's centenary year and Sturt, heading into the grand final, had lost only one game for the year and was odds-on favourite to win its 8th flag in 13 years. Norwood was 29 points down at three-quarter time but scored seven goals to Sturt's two in the last quarter to win the premiership by one point. Memorable moments in the match include Neil Button's effort in ruck against Sturt's Rick Davies, John Wynne's charge into the Sturt coaches box, Michael Taylor's mark 1 metre out from Sturt's goal with a minute to go, Danny Jenkin's leaping smother of a shot for goal with just seconds left to play and Brian Adamson's five goals from centre half forward. However, the most controversial moment was when field umpire Des Foster awarded a mark to Norwood’s Phil Gallagher in the dying seconds of the final quarter, that resulted in a goal by Gallagher which gave Norwood a 1 point lead that would hold to the final siren.

1980–1990: Neil Balme era

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Under the leadership of Western Australian Neil Balme, the Redlegs won two premierships, one in 1982 and a second in 1984. The 1984 premiership was notable as the side came from 5th position at the end of the minor round to win the Grand Final, the first time a team outside the top four had won the competition. Two distinguished Norwood players from this era are Michael Aish and Garry McIntosh.

1991–1997: National League expansion

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1991–1995: Neil Craig era

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With the formation of the Adelaide Crows, the number of the SANFL's best players leaving the competition skyrocketed. The Norwood Football Club was hit particularly hard just avoiding the wooden spoon in successive years. However to the credit of Neil Craig, he managed to make do with what was at his disposal and in his third year as senior Redlegs coach the side made the 1993 Grand Final. However, timing was to be unfortunate and the Redlegs found themselves up against the recently created Woodville-West Torrens Eagles who were by far the strongest team of the year, losing by a club record 73 points.

1996–1999: Peter Rohde era

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1997 SANFL Home & Away Season W L D Total %
Norwood 17 3 0 24 64.82
Minor Premiers

The Norwood Football Club entered the 1997 SANFL season, helmed by coach Peter Rohde, with purpose and rage that would see it dominate the years competition. During the home-and-away season, the club lost only three games during the minor round with a percentage of 64.82%, second to only that of Port Adelaide's 1914 season percentage of 68.78%. The dominance of Norwood during this year was highlighted on ANZAC day when Norwood played the second-placed team of the year, Port Adelaide, winning by 122 points. However, during the second semi-final, Norwood lost to Port Adelaide. The loss proved to be a wake-up call for a side seemingly winning with ease.

1997 SANFL Grand Final G B Total
Norwood 19 12 126
Port Adelaide 7 11 53
Venue: Football Park Crowd: 44,161

The following week, a win over Central District saw them make the Grand Final, where again they would play Port Adelaide, this time in front of 44,161 eager spectators. Norwood were no longer complacent like they had been a couple weeks ago, and they dished out Port Adelaide's greatest-ever grand final defeat in the SANFL, winning by 73 points, 19.12 (126) to 7.11 (53). With midfielders Anthony Harvey (Jack Oatey Medallist), John Cunningham and Andrew Jarman playing superbly, the Redlegs had their Magpie opponents chasing shadows all afternoon. Norwood's victory, which came during the same season Port Adelaide's controversial bid to enter the AFL came to fruition, meant the satisfaction it generated amongst Redleg supporters was euphoric.

2000–2009: Tough times

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The euphoria of the 1997 grand final victory would be short-lived, with the club only making it to another grand final once in the next decade, losing to Port Adelaide.[citation needed] The decade would see club revenue reduced to its minimum extent as the AFL took an economic hold of football in the state.[citation needed] During this time, the club picked up its 6th wooden spoon and its first for over three decades.[citation needed]

2010–2013: Nathan Bassett and Norwood resurgence

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Norwood won their 28th and 29th SANFL premierships in 2012 and 2013 by defeating West Adelaide and North Adelaide respectively and lost only five minor-round games over those two years (two in 2012, three in 2013). It was the first time in 90 years (1922 and 1923) that the club had won back-to-back premierships. By coincidence, Norwood defeated Wests in 1922 and North in 1923.[11]

2014–2016: Ben Warren as coach

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Norwood won the first Grand Final played at Adelaide Oval since 1973, defeating arch-rival Port Adelaide by 4 points in-front of 38,644 spectators.
2014 SANFL Grand Final G B Total
Norwood 12 10 82
Port Adelaide 11 12 78
Venue: Adelaide Oval Crowd: 38,644

In his first season as coach Ben Warren, with recruiting restrictions due to a salary cap breach and the loss of 12 premiership players, managed to guide the club to a Grand Final, in which Norwood defeated its biggest rival by 4 points, Norwood 12.10 (82) Port Adelaide 11.12 (78), in front of the largest Grand Final crowd for 15 years of 38,644. The win was significant given that the Port Adelaide team of 21 included 19 full-time professional AFL-listed players. It was also Norwood's 30th premiership, and completed a hat-trick following on from its 2012 and 2013 flags. The victory left Norwood as the team that won both the last Grand Final at Football Park and the first Grand Final at the newly refurbished Adelaide Oval.

In 2015, Norwood started the season 9–1 despite losing their captain Kieran McGuinness to retirement along with Gavin Hughes over the off-season, Anthony Wilson to the Adelaide Crows and Steven Baldasso suffering a season ending knee injury during the pre-season. The Redlegs were top of the ladder after Round 10 but a loss to bottom side Glenelg in round 11 would prove pivotal as they fell away in the second half of the season to only win 2 of their remaining 9 games with an horrific run of injuries to key players. They finished 4th after the minor round with 11–7, equal third with West Adelaide, but with inferior percentage were sent to an Elimination Final and were bundled out by 44 points by Central District.

The 2016 season saw the Redlegs regain Andrew Kirwan from overseas, Matt Fuller, Anthony Wilson and Jaryd Cachia from AFL duties but this did not cover the losses of James Allan, Michael Newton, Liam Davis and Mat Suckling, all to retirement, with Andrew McInnes and Mitch Wilkins returning to Melbourne after only one year and Kane Murphy returning to Sydney. The Redlegs started well with a win over archrivals, Port Adelaide, at Coopers Stadium by 25 points with Simon Phillips copping a season ending shoulder injury. A shock loss to North Adelaide by 57 points was the start of things to come as the Redlegs struggled with many injuries throughout the year which started with Michael Chippendale missing for the first six weeks and then significant injuries to key players in Bode, Panos, Cachia, Phillips and Webber throughout the year saw the Redlegs struggle without their star players. Norwood managed to win three of their last six games of the season with a shock win over ladder leaders, Woodville-West Torrens, by 24 points at Coopers Stadium which was the Redlegs stand out game in a poor season. This led to the departure of their Senior Coach, Ben Warren, with both parties not being able to come to an agreement over the club's future. Ben Warren ended with a win–loss record of 31–27.

2017–present: Evolution

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Norwood were a foundation member of the SANFL Women's (SANFLW) competition in 2017. They claimed their first (and currently only) premiership in the competition in the inaugural 2017 season.[12]

Tradition

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The Norwood Football Club is one of two traditional power-house clubs in the South Australian National Football League, the other team being the Port Adelaide Football Club.[citation needed] As a result, their rivalry was the biggest in South Australian sport for over 100 years before the arrival of the Showdown.[citation needed] The two clubs still consistently attract the largest crowds during the SANFL minor round.[citation needed]

Current club song

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It's a grand old flag, it's a high flying flag
It's the emblem for me and for you
It's the emblem of the team we love
The team of the Red and the Blue.
Every heart beats true for the Red and the Blue
As we sing this song to you (What do we sing?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue.

Oh the team played fine in the year twenty nine
The Redlegs that no-one could lick, lick, lick
From the crowds first yell to the final bell
The spirit of old forty six, six, six.
Every heart beats true for the Red and the Blue
As we sing this song to you (What do we sing?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue.

It's a grand old flag, it's a high flying flag
It's the emblem for me and for you
It's the emblem of the team we love
The team of the Red and the Blue.
Every heart beats true for the Red and the Blue
As we sing this song to you (What do we sing?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue.

[citation needed]

1878 club song

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Men of Norwood

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All who love the noble game, hear the story I proclaim;
How the Norwoods earned their fame [How they won their glory].
First, against the Souths so strong, Cheers went up, both loud and long;
Forward! Norwoods, red and blue. Fair ones' smiles encourage you.

Chorus
Cheer the bonny red and blue,
Cheer the colours fast and true,
Keep their colours still in view,
Forward! Men of Norwood.

Who will e'er forget that day, Sturdy Mac led on the play,
Giffen dashing through the fray, Kicked first goal for Norwood?
And from thousand throats that cried, Cleft the air up to the skies.
Forward! Norwood, red and blue. Fair ones' eyes are watching you.

(Chorus)

When they met the sprightly Vics, With their little marks and tricks,
People thought would be a fix, Too much for the Norwoods.
Like the Souths the Vics were licked, Traynor for us one goals kicked.
Forward! Norwoods, red and blue, Wiry Vics you did subdue.

(Chorus)

Sturdy Ports and Adelaides, Little Parks [those knowing blades]
Kensingtons, who love the maids, All succumbed to Norwood.
So the first year passed away, And our men still held the sway;

Forward! Norwood, red and blue, Beauty's lips are praising you.

— Arthur Diamond, To the tune of 'Killarney'

Famous supporters

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Home grounds

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The current home ground for the Norwood Football Club is Norwood Oval. It has been the club's home since 1901 and under current naming rights it is referred to as 'Coopers Stadium'.

Current playing list

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  •  2 Baynen Lowe
  •  4 Matthew Panos
  •  5 Pierce Seymour
  •  6 Thomas Donnelly
  •  7 Jackson Callow
  •  8 Samuel Morris
  •  9 Henry Nelligan
  • 10 Declan Hamilton
  • 11 Jacob Kennerley
  • 12 Ben Simpson
  • 13 Billy Cootee
  • 14 Mitch O’Neill
  • 16 Alastair Lord
  • 18 Tom Graham
  • 20 Matthew Ling
  • 21 Xavier Tranfa
  • 22 Jordon Boyle
  • 24 Dom White
  • 27 Cooper Murley
  • 29 Izaak Twelftree
  •  31 Harry Boyd
  • 35 Jack Heard
  •  36 Jake Cresswell
  • 40 Finn Heard
  • 53 George McLeod

|Coach = Jade Rawlings |Senior Assistant = James Saywell |Reserves Coach = Michael Knoll

AFL/VFL players (including Rookies)

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There is a list of past and present Norwood players who have played at AFL/VFL:

Membership and attendance

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Year Members Change from previous Season End of minor rounds Finishing position Average crowd Change from previous season Largest home crowd
2011
3,571[15]
 ?
2
3
4,752
  553
8,011
2012
3,004[16]
  567
1
1
4,514
  238
6,353
2013
3,223[17]
  219
1
1
4,093
  421
7,560
2014
3,121[18]
  102
2
1
4,110
  17
10,014
2015 4,050[19]   912 5 5 3,156   954 6,927
2016 3,209

Sponsorship

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The club's main sponsors, since guernsey sponsorship was introduced in 1978, have been as follows:

Years Major Guernsey Sponsor
1978–1994 Australian Guarantee Corporation
1995–2000 Villis Family Bakery
2001–2005 Coopers Brewery
2006–2017 Fairmont Homes
2018–2020 Veolia
2021–Present Apelle
Years Below Number Sponsor
1994-2000 Villis Family Bakery
2001–2005 Coopers Brewery
2006–2017 Fairmont Homes
2018–Present IWS Group
Years Other Front Jumper Sponsor
1997–2000 Be Smoke Free
2016–Present Paradise Motors Mazda
2016–2019 Balfours
2020–2021 Schiavello
2022–Present Barossa Boy
Years Above Number Sponsor
2001–2004 Be Smoke Free
2014–2017 Australian Outdoor Living
2018–2019 Fairmont Homes
2020–Present Peoples Choice Credit Union
Years Guernsey Manufacturer
2001–2012 Asics
2013–2015 VIV Sports
2016-2020 ISC
2021–Present Apelle

Honour roll

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Norwood Football Club honour roll
South Australian Football Association era
Year Pos W-L-D % Coach Captain Best and Fairest Leading goalkicker Goals
1878 1 (Premiers) 8–0–4 94 Joseph Osborn Joseph Osborn William Dedman 12*
1879 1 (Premiers) 9–0–1 91 Joseph Osborn Joseph Osborn William Dedman 12*
1880 1 (Premiers) 7–2–1 86 Joseph Osborn Joseph Osborn Joseph Traynor 7*
1881 1 (Premiers) 10–0–3 82 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Joe Pollock
W.J. Duffy
7*
1882 1 (Premiers) 13–1–0 75 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Jim Watson 12
1883 1 (Premiers) 12–3–1 70 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Frederick Letchford 7
1884 2 (Runner-up) 9–4–1 64 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Frederick Letchford 10
1885 2 (Runner-up) 7–7–1 67 Alfred Roberts Alfred Roberts A.B. Rowe 9
1886 3 7–6–1 59 Alfred Roberts Alfred Roberts Frederick Letchford 8
1887 1 (Premiers) 12–2–4 75 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron John Daly 15
1888 1 (Premiers)
Champions of Australia
14–1–2 59 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Charles Woods 29*
1889 1 (Premiers) 15–2–1 77 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Charles Woods 31
1890 2 (Runner-up) 15–3–0 73 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Charles Woods 44
1891 1 (Premiers) 13–3–0 72 Alfred Grayson Alfred Grayson Charles Woods 55*
1892 3 10–6–0 67 Alfred Waldron Alfred Waldron Charles Woods 46*
1893 2 (Runner-up) 12–3–3 72 Henry Plunkett
John Daly
Henry Plunkett
John Daly
Anthony Daly 88*
1894 1 (Premiers) 14–5–1 62 John Daly John Daly Anthony Daly 48*
1895 2 (Runner-up) 11–4–1 65 John Daly John Daly Anthony Daly 46*
1896 2 (Runner-up) 10–6–2 59 Jack Holbrook Jack Holbrook Charles Woods 20
1897 3 11–5–1 66 Richard Correll Richard Correll John Daly Charles Woods 24
1898 3 8–7–0 53 Richard Correll Richard Correll Anthony Daly 12
1899 2 (Grand-Finalist) 11–4–1 60 Ernest Peters Ernest Peters William Miller 26
1900 4 8–7–0 52 William Plunkett William Plunkett William Miller 23
1901 1 (Premiers) 14–5–0 60 Garsham Barnes Garsham Barnes James Gosse William Miller 44*
1902 5 6–6–0 66 Garsham Barnes Garsham Barnes W. Trembath William Miller 21
1903 4 8–5–0 71 William Plunkett William Plunkett William Plunkett William Miller 27
1904 1 (Premiers) 12–2–1 71 Phil Newland Phil Newland Alby Bahr
Lionel Hill
William Miller 35*
1905 3 8–5–0 60 James Gosse James Gosse William Miller William Miller 24
1906 3 12–2–0 68 Dean Dawson

Phil Newland

Dean Dawson
Phil Newland
Charles Gwynne Lionel Hill 21
South Australian Football League era
Year Pos W-L-D Coach Captain Best and Fairest Leading goalkicker Goals
1907 1 (Premiers)
Champions of Australia
12–3–0 58 Alby Bahr Alby Bahr Charles Gwynne Leonard Chamberlain 27
1908 2 (Grand-Finalist) 11–3–1 61 Alby Bahr Alby Bahr Alby Bahr

Lionel Hill

Jack Chamberlain 30
1909 2 (Grand-Finalist) 8–6–0 54 John Woods Alby Bahr Lionel Hill Richard Townsend 22*
1910 3 7–7–0 53 John Woods Alby Bahr Lance Lewis Leonard Chamberlain 19
1911 5 6–6–0 46 Alby Bahr Charles McGavisk Phil Robin Richard Townsend 18
1912 6 4–8–0 44 Alby Bahr Alby Bahr Richard Townsend Leonard Chamberlain 23
1913 7 (Wooden Spoon) 2–10–0 44 William Plunkett Victor Stephens Sidney White Walter Steele 13
1914 7 (Wooden Spoon) 4–8–0 45 Algernon Millhouse Algernon Millhouse Sidney White Guy Stephens 19
1915 7 (Wooden Spoon) 3–9–0 40 Clarence Packham Clarence Packham Clarence Packham Guy Stephens 11
Play suspended due to WWI
1919 7 (Wooden Spoon) 1–11–0 40 William Hutton Sidney White Spencer Sibley Spencer Sibley 18
1920 2 (Grand-Finalist) 7–7–0 William Hutton Richard Townsend Walter Scott Richard Townsend 15
1921 2 (Grand-Finalist) 11–6–1 52 William Hutton Sidney White Walter Scott Roy Bent 44*
1922 1 (Premiers) 14–2–0 64 Tom Leahy Sidney White Claude Toovey Tom Hart 50*
1923 1 (Premiers) 13–2–1 56 Tom Leahy Sidney White Walter Scott Roy Bent 50
1924 3 10–5–1 58 Tom Leahy Sidney White Alick Lill Roy Bent 54*
1925 1 (Premiers) 13–3–0 60 Sidney White Sidney White Alick Lill Roy Bent 59*
1926 3 10–6–0 53 Walter Scott Walter Scott Walter Scott Roy Bent 65*
South Australian National Football League era
Year Pos W-L-D Coach Captain Best and Fairest Leading goalkicker Goals
1927 6 7–10–0 48 Walter Scott Walter Scott Alick Lill Alfred Biddell 36
1928 2 (Grand-Finalist) 12–8–0 51 Walter Scott Walter Scott Walter Scott Heinrich Krome 38
1929 1 (Premiers) 14–4–1 57 Walter Scott Walter Scott Charles Daly Lyall Mutton 41
1930 3 11–6–1 54 Walter Scott Walter Scott Walter Scott Heinrich Krome 39
1931 4 9–9–0 48 Alick Lill
Ernest Wadham
Walter Scott
Alick Lill
Ernest Wadham
Joseph Johns
Joseph Johns Heinrich Krome 28
1932 3 11–8–0 51 Walter Scott Joseph Johns Alfred Biddell Bill McCallum 37
1933 2 (Grand-Finalist) 12–8–2 53 Alick Lill Eric Johnson Frederick McCallum Heinrich Krome 53
1934 7 5–12–0 46 Alick Lill Heinrich Krome
Lavington Chinnery
Harold Allington Bruce Schultz 66
1935 4 11–7–0 51 Jack Sexton
Sidney Ackland
Eric Johnson
Thomas Woodfoofe
Jack Sexton
Thomas Woodroofe
Thomas Woodroofe Bruce Schultz 66
1936 5 10–7–0 53 Sidney Ackland Thomas Woodroofe Bill McCallum Ron Brown 64
1937 3 13–6–0 58 Sidney Ackland Thomas Woodroofe Albert Sawley Ron Brown 95
1938 3 13–6–0 56 Alan Arthur Thomas Woodroofe Frederick McCallum Ron Brown 86
1939 4 11–7–0 50 Alan Arthur Thomas Woodroofe
Hubert Warhurst
Hubert Warhurst Bruce Schultz 98
1940 4 8–10–0 52 Kevin Hardiman
Alan Smith
Kevin Hardiman
Hubert Warhurst
Bruce Schultz
Jack Oatey Bruce Schultz 90
1941 1 (Premiers) 15–5–0 58 Frederick McCallum Kevin Hardiman Jack Oatey Bruce Schultz 100*
Temporary geographical merger with North Adelaide during WWII
1942 3
1943 1 (Premiers)
1944 1 (Premiers)
Competition returns to unaligned teams
1945 3 11–8–0 57 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Neville Way 39
1946 1 (Premiers) 16–3–0 58 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Douglas Olds Peter Dalwood 70*
1947 2 (Grand-Finalist) 16–3–0 58 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Douglas Olds Neville Way 49
1948 1 (Premiers) 16–3–0 57 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Graham Farrow 64
1949 3 12–7–0 54 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey John Marriott Peter Dalwood 41
1950 1 (Premiers) 15–4–0 61 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Douglas Olds Ron Williams 59
1951 5 9–9–0 52 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey John Marriott Max Mayo 29
1952 2 (Grand-Finalist) 12–8–0 53 Jack Oatey Jack Oatey Kevin Gallagher Peter Dalwood 27
1953 4 10–9–0 52 Jack Oatey John Marriott Max Mayo Max Mayo 78*
1954 4 9–10–0 51 Jack Oatey John Marriott Robert Edwards Peter Vivian 35
1955 2 (Grand-Finalist) 12–6–1 55 Jack Oatey John Marriott John Marriott Norman Walker 39
1956 4 10–9–0 49 Jack Oatey John Marriott Ron Reimann Robert Fosdike 33
1957 2 (Grand-Finalist) 13–8–0 51 Haydn Bunton, Jr. Ron Reimann Norman Walker Norman Walker 37
1958 4 7–11–1 47 Haydn Bunton, Jr. Haydn Bunton, Jr. Graham Nicholls Peter Vivian 27
1959 6 7–11–0 47 Alan Killigrew Peter Vivian Graham Nicholls Peter Vivian 35
1960 2 (Grand-Finalist) 13–8–0 55 Alan Killigrew Peter Aish Peter Aish Phil Stephens 50
1961 2 (Grand-Finalist) 13–9–0 54 Alan Killigrew Peter Aish Peter Aish
Kingsley Wedding
John Lill 40
1962 3 12–8–1 54 Alan Killigrew Peter Aish Kingsley Wedding John Lill 52
1963 5 11–9–0 49 Douglas Olds Ron Kneebone Kingsley Wedding Mark Skinner 37
1964 6 9–10–1 49 Douglas Olds Ron Kneebone Kingsley Wedding Robert Martin 30
1965 4 13–8–0 56 Haydn Bunton, Jr. Haydn Bunton, Jr. Kingsley Wedding Ian Brewer 96*
1966 7 9–11–0 48 Haydn Bunton, Jr. Haydn Bunton, Jr. Ron Kneebone Ian Brewer 76
1967 6 10–10–0 49 Haydn Bunton, Jr. Haydn Bunton, Jr. Robert Oatey Robert Oatey 45
1968 10 (Wooden Spoon) 3–16–1 45 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Robert Oatey 30
1969 9 3–17–0 43 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Gil Butchart Robert Oatey 33
1970 5 10–8–2 50 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Michael Poulter Michael Coligan 77
1971 5 10–11–0 51 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Roger Woodcock 58
1972 4 14–7–1 54 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Michael Coligan 81*
1973 4 11–12–0 52 Robert Oatey Robert Oatey Michael Taylor Ross Dillon 46
1974 4 16–8–0 57 Robert Hammond Robert Hammond Michael Taylor Roger Woodcock 68
1975 1 (Premiers) 18–3–0 58 Robert Hammond John Wynne Ross Dillon Ross Dillon 66
1976 4 12–11–0 52 Robert Hammond John Wynne Rodney Pope Jim Michalanney 63
1977 5 13–10–0 58 Robert Hammond John Wynne Neil Craig Paul Adler 67
1978 1 (Premiers) 18–8–0 56 Robert Hammond Michael Taylor Michael Taylor Roger Woodcock 42
1979 4 12–12–0 54 Robert Hammond Michael Taylor Michael Taylor Bruce Winter 45
1980 2 (Grand-Finalist) 15–11–0 50 Neil Balme Michael Taylor Michael Taylor Roger Woodcock 62
1981 3 15–9–1 54 Neil Balme Phil Gallagher Michael Aish Gary Menzel 37
1982 1 (Premiers) 18–7–0 57 Neil Balme Phil Gallagher
Greg Turbill
Greg Turbill Neville Roberts 83
1983 3 15–10–0 55 Neil Balme Greg Turbill Michael Aish Neville Roberts 111
1984 1 (Premiers) 17–9–0 51 Neil Balme Danny Jenkins Michael Aish Neville Roberts 98
1985 4 14–9–1 52 Neil Balme Neville Roberts Keith Thomas Neville Roberts 47
1986 5 12–11–0 52 Neil Balme Neville Roberts Michael Taylor Keith Thomas 40
1987 3 15–10–0 55 Neil Balme Michael Aish Garry McIntosh Mark Ducker 54
1988 3 15–10–0 57 Neil Balme Michael Aish Richard Anderson Rodney Maynard 50
1989 3 14–11–0 52 Neil Balme Michael Aish Rodney Maynard Andrew Pascoe 47
1990 5 12–9–0 54 Neil Balme Garry McIntosh Stephen Rowe James Weeding 50
1991 7 7–14–1 48 Neil Craig Garry McIntosh Garry McIntosh David Payne 51
1992 7 9–13–0 52 Neil Craig Garry McIntosh Michael Aish Mark Jones 54
1993 2 (Grand-Finalist) 15–9–0 54 Neil Craig Garry McIntosh Stephen Patterson Chris Prime 87
1994 4 12–12–0 52 Neil Craig Garry McIntosh Jerry D'Antiochia Chris Prime 53
1995 3 17–8–0 59 Neil Craig Garry McIntosh Matthew Primus James Thiessen 54
1996 3 16–7–0 56 Peter Rohde Garry McIntosh John Cunningham Ashley Reade 65
1997 1 (Premiers) 19–4–0 65 Peter Rohde Garry McIntosh Andrew Jarman Jim West 80*
1998 4 12–10–0 52 Peter Rohde Garry McIntosh
Anthony Harvey
Anthony Harvey Cristian O'Brien 31
1999 2 (Grand-Finalist) 15–9–0 52 Peter Rohde Anthony Harvey Steven Pitt Robert Neill 36
2000 5 10–11–0 52 Neville Roberts Anthony Harvey Scott Direen Robert Neill 42
2001 4 12–10–0 52 Neville Roberts Anthony Harvey Troy Clements Scott Borlace
Robert Neill
34
2002 3 17–5–0 58 Garry McIntosh Brett James Brett James Jarrod Cotton 42
2003 6 9–10–1 48 Garry McIntosh Brett James Brett James Robert Neill 38
2004 9 (Wooden Spoon) 4–16–0 42 Garry McIntosh Brett James Scott Borlace Matthew Bartemucci 26
2005 6 9–11–0 47 Dale Lewis Brett James Brett James Robert Neill 44
2006 7 9–11–0 46 Trevor Hill Brett James Scott Borlace Jamie Vlatko 31
2007 7 8–12–0 47 Trevor Hill James Gallagher James Gallagher Jamie Vlatko 60
2008 4 10–11–1 48 Trevor Hill James Gallagher James Gallagher Taylor Walker 56
2009 7 7–13–0 49 Trevor Hill
Jarrod Cotton
James Gallagher Brett Zorzi Sam Rowe 40
2010 2 (Grand-Finalist) 14–10–0 55 Nathan Bassett James Gallagher Nick Lower Sam Rowe 40
2011 3 15–8–0 55 Nathan Bassett James Gallagher Kieran McGuinness Cameron Shenton 43
2012 1 (Premiers) 20–2–0 63 Nathan Bassett Kieran McGuinness Brett Zorzi Luke Jericho 41
2013 1 (Premiers) 19–3–0 63 Nathan Bassett Kieran McGuinness Ben Jefferies Ben Warren 36
2014 1 (Premiers) 14–7–0 56 Ben Warren Kieran McGuinness Kieran McGuinness Michael Newton 55
2015 5 11–8–0 51 Ben Warren Alex Georgiou Matthew Panos Simon Phillips 17
2016 8 6–12–0 46 Ben Warren Alex Georgiou Matthew Fuller Lewis Johnston 31
2017 5 10–8–1 46 Jarrod Cotton Jace Bode Alex Georgiou Kristian Roocke 26
  • Signifies SANFL leading goal kicker

Hall of Fame

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In 2006, the Norwood Football Club board wrote a charter to establish a club Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Committee, with the express purpose of "recognis[ing] and enshrin[ing] players, coaches, volunteers, honorary officials and administrators who have made a most significant contribution to the Norwood Football Club since its inception in 1878."[20] The Hall of Fame Committee were tasked with selecting a maximum of 30 members for the inaugural induction ceremony, with up to 25 players and up to five coaches, volunteers, honorary officials or administrators from across the broad history of Norwood.[20] Like other SANFL clubs, the charter initially adopted the practice of using broad historical eras to categorize members; in the case of Norwood, five eras were outlined: a) 1878 to 1906; b) 1907 to 1941; c) 1946 to 1969; d) 1970 to 1990; and e) 1991 and onwards. The Committee were also tasked with expanding the Hall of Fame by admitting up to five new members each year.[20] There are currently 63 members in the Norwood Hall of Fame. In 2018, five of those members were upgraded to Legend status. The categorization below follows that of the club's history website, Redlegs Museum.

Norwood Football Club Hall of Fame
Legends
Michael Aish Garry McIntosh Wally Miller Walter Scott * Michael Taylor
The Leaders
Bert Baulderstone Sir James Gosse Theodor Heidenreich Joseph Osborn Sir Edwin T. Smith
Joe Tripodi John J Woods
The 1870S to the 1960s
Syd Ackland Alby Bahr Roy Bent Lionel Blackmore Peter Dalwood
Anthony Daly John Daly * Sam Gallagher Alfred Grayson Lionel Hill
Frederick McCallum Doug Olds Albert Sawley Bruce Schultz Guy Stephens
Joseph Traynor Alfred Waldron Hubert Warhurst Kingsley Wedding Sid White
The 1970S to the 1990s
Neil Button Jerry D'Antiochia Phil Gallagher Rodney Maynard Jim Michalanney
Neville Roberts Keith Thomas Roger Woodcock
The Clubmen
Neil Balme Reginald Dawson Arthur Diamond William Griffiths Thomas S. Hill
Eric Johnson William Potts Glen Rosser Brian Sando Ernest Wadham
George Webb
The Captains
Peter Aish Brett James Danny Jenkins Jack Oatey * Robert Oatey
Greg Turbill John Wynne
The Medallists
Alby Green Ron Kneebone Alick Lill John Marriott Bill McCallum

Team of the century

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Club achievements

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Premierships
Competition Level Wins Years Won
SANFL Seniors 31 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1891, 1894, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1929, 1941, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1997, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022
SANFL Women's League Seniors 1 2017
SANFL Reserves Reserves 22 1906, 1910, 1921, 1930, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1960, 1961, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2019, 2024
SANFL Under 19s (1937–2008) Under 19s 17 1940, 1945, 1947, 1952, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1971, 1972, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1995, 1997
SANFL Under 17s (1939–2008) Under 17s 9 1965, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991
SANFL Under 18s (2009–present) Under 18s 2 2015, 2020
SANFL Under 16s (2010–present) Under 16s 1 2012
Other titles and honours
Championship of Australia Senior 2 1888, 1907
Stanley H Lewis Trophy Multiple 13 1965, 1974, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2011, 2012, 2018
SANFL Pre-Season Premiership Senior 2 1956, 1958
NFL Night Series Senior 1 1977
Finishing positions
SANFL Minor premiership 20 1889, 1894, 1901, 1908, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1929, 1937, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1950, 1976, 1997, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2024
Runners-up 23 1884, 1885, 1890, 1893, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1908, 1920, 1921, 1928, 1933, 1947, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1980, 1993, 1999, 2010, 2018
Wooden spoons 6 1913, 1914, 1915, 1919, 1968, 2004
SANFL Women's League Minor premiership 2 2019, 2021
Runners-up 2 2017, 2024
Wooden spoons 0 Nil

Individual awards

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Magarey Medallists

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Fos Williams Medallists

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Jack Oatey Medallists

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  • 1982 – Danny Jenkins
  • 1984 – Keith Thomas
  • 1997 – John Cunningham
  • 2012 – Dean Terlich
  • 2013 – Brett Zorzi
  • 2014 – Matt Panos
  • 2018 – Mitch Grigg
  • 2022 – Harry Boyd

Ken Farmer Medallists

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All-Australians

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Sporting Life Magazine

Interstate carnivals

Club records

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Attendances

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Most games

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Most goals in a season

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Most goals

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Most years as coach

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Most premierships as coach

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Most years as captain

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Most premierships as captain

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Most best and fairest awards

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Highest score

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Most state games

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References

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  1. ^ "FOOTBALL. - South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 - 1881) - 9 Mar 1878". Trove. 9 March 1878.
  2. ^ "16 Mar 1878 - FOOTBALL. - Trove". Trove. 16 March 1878.
  3. ^ "FOOTBALL". The Express and Telegraph. Vol. XV, no. 4, 297. South Australia. 18 May 1878. p. 3. Retrieved 8 October 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "Redlegs Museum".
  5. ^ "21 May 1878 - FOOTBALL. - Trove". South Australian Advertiser. 21 May 1878.
  6. ^ "Australian Football – Norwood Football Club – Bio". australianfootball.com. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  7. ^ "1883 : Blueseum – Online Carlton Football Club Museum". www.blueseum.org. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  8. ^ "Footy Frontiers and Pioneers: The Origins of the Norwood-Port Adelaide Rivalry".
  9. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ^ "Fight On East Perth – NFL Games". www.amnet.net.au. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  11. ^ Norwood Back to Back
  12. ^ "Late blast gives Redlegs victory in inaugural SANFL women's grand final. They would also go to win the 2022 SANFL Grand Final with new coach Jade Rawlings revenging their 2018 loss to North Adelaide with an amazing last quarter come back". Adelaide Now. 1 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Rann rage at Brumby – AFL.com.au". afl.com.au. May 2008. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  14. ^ Baldwin, Adam (9 March 2015). "Paul Kelly writes sonnet to kicking Sherrin AFL football". foxsports.com.au. Foxsports.
  15. ^ http://www.norwoodfc.com.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/NFC%20Partnership%20Opportunities%202012%20-%20page%20by%20page.pdf [dead link]
  16. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 February 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ "Norwood Football Club". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014.
  19. ^ http://www.membership.norwoodfc.com.au/"Norwood Football Club". www.membership.norwoodfc.com.au. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  20. ^ a b c "NORWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB HALL OF FAME CHARTER" (PDF). Norwood Football Club. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
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