Untitled - Norwood Football Club

CONTENTS
Membership Packages 2
Inside the Club 5
From the Coach 7
In Focus - Montica 9
Welcome to Norwood 10
Redlegs 2012 player keyring 12
NFC Merchandise 14
Team Photo 2012 16
In Focus - Australian Outdoor Living 19
Thank you for your support in ‘12 20
Alex Stopp the comeback trail 22
Norwood’s Premierships: Mixed fortunes for some players 24
Development Report 27
Norwood Fitness Academy 30
REDLEGS rising stars 32

General Membership
Members Radio
2012 Members Lanyard
Member Card & Badge
Fixture Fridge Magnet
2012 Sticker
10% Discount on all Official Merchandise
Entitlement to purchase Western Stand Seating
Weekly Online Emails
3x Editions Redlegs Reviews
Annual Report
Voting Rights
$75
Concession $35
Country Membership
General Membership Entitlements.
NB To purchase a Country Membership you
must live outside a 60km radius $55
legs ‘N’ Leggins
General Entitlements
Ladies Gifts
At Cost Legs ‘n’ Leggins Invitation $75
Coopers Club
General Entitlements
2012 Coopers Item 18-35 years $65
Past Players & Officials
1 x Home Match Ticket
Exclusive Past Player and Official Card
Complimentary Past Players Event $50
mats club 21
FREE ENTRY
Sticker
Hand Clapper
Face Paint
4x Redlegs Tattoos
Birthday Card from Mat Suckling
Footy Clinic at Home Games
0 -10 years
$40
redlegs Rookie
FREE ENTRY
2012 Members Lanyard
Member Card
2012 Sticker
Hair Raiser
Door Hanger
4 x Redlegs Tattoos
Footy Clinics at Home Games
10% Discount on all Official Merchandise
11-18 years
$40
Redlegs Plus
General Entitlements
2 x all grounds season tickets
2 x Western Stand Seats
2 x Season Passes to the Half time function $330
Captains Club
Members Radio
2012 Members Lanyard, 2012 Sticker & Fixture Fridge Magnet
Exclusive Captains Club Card & Badge
Redlegs Binoculars
2 x All Grounds Season Tickets
2 x Western Stand Seats
1x Car Park
2 x Complimentary tickets to a Pre Match Function
1 x Complimentary ticket to Captains Club Event
1 x Complimentary ticket to Trophy Presentation Night
3 x Editions Redlegs Reviews
Annual Report
Weekly Online Emails
10% Discount on all official Merchandise
Voting Rights $600
Legends Club
Members Radio
2012 Members Lanyard, 2012 Sticker & Fixture Fridge Magnet
Exclusive Legends Club Card & Badge
Redlegs Binoculars
4 x All Grounds Season Tickets
4 x Western Stand Seats
1 x Car Park
4 x Complimentary tickets to a Pre Match Function
2 x Complimentary tickets to Legends Club Dinner
1 x Complimentary ticket to all major NFC Events
(excluding HOF/Foundation Dinner)
Legends board listing in Premiers Bar
3 x Editions Redlegs Reviews
Annual Report
entrance Tickets
All Grounds Season Ticket
Norwood Home Match Ticket
Western Stand Seating
Adult $115
Concession $65
Adult $70
Concession $65
*All revenue generated from pre sold entry tickets goes to the NFC
Reserved Season Seating (tick appropriate box) Western Stand $45
Insert 2011 seating details: Section .................. Row ................... Seat No.......................
Special Seating Requests:................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
EXCLUSIVE Cooler Bag $15 TOTAL $.......................GST Inc.
Payment Options Cash Cheque Credit Card
Name on Card: ...............................................................................................................
VISA Master Card A.MEX _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Expiry Date ........ / ........ Amount $......... Signature .................................................
Weekly Online Emails
2 10% Discount on all official merchandise
3
Voting Rights $1700
$45
STADIUM
Grab an exclusive
MEMBERS ONLY
cooler bag
for $15 with any membership purchased.
NFC 2012 application to renew membership,
entrance ticket and reserved seats.
Tax invoice – ABN 66 129 168 283. This will be a tax inc payment. If you need to retain the original tax invoice, please send photocopy along with payment.
Your details
new Member REQUESTS
Name: ........................................................................... D.O.B: .....................................
Address: .........................................................................................................................
Raffle Book
Annual Report ONLINE
...................................................................................... Post Code: .............................. (Please ensure email address is included above)
Phone: (w) .................................................................... (h) ...........................................
(m) ..................................................................... (f) ...........................................
Email: .............................................................................................................................
Membership (tick appropriate box)
Legends Club $1700
Captains Club $600
Redlegs Plus $330
General Membership (Concession $35) $75
Past Players & Officials Membership $50
Entrance Tickets (tick appropriate box)
All Ground Season (A) $115
Norwood Home Match (A) $70
Coopers Club (18-35 years) $65
Legs ‘n’ Leggins $75
Country Membership $55
Redlegs Rookie (11-18 years) $40
Mat’s Club (Under 10 years) $40
All Ground Season (C) $65
Norwood Home Match (C) $40
Annual Report POST
Redlegs Review ONLINE
(Please ensure email address is included above)
Redlegs Review POST
How to pay in person:
4 Woods Street, Norwood
Coopers Stadium Administration Office
Post: PO Box 3125 Norwood 5067
Phone: 8362 6278
Fax: 8362 8918
Online: www.norwoodfc.com.au
OFFICE
USE ONLY:
Date Fortis MYOB

Inside
THe CLUB
The season is finally upon us, and as I write this article for the first
edition of the 2012 “REDLEGS REVIEW” the Coaches, under the
leadership of our Senior Coach Nathan Bassett, are conducting
the final team meetings prior to our trial match against Sturt.
I am sure all of our supporters relish this time of the year when
we can see the results of a hard pre-season and gauge the
form particularly of our younger players, many of whom showed
promise last season, and who we all hope will make a name for
themselves as they start their history with Norwood as senior
players.
We will of course want to see how our new recruits are travelling
and how all the players translate their training into a winning
game plan on the lush turf of the Norwood Oval. I can say in the
short time I have been involved with the
Football Department
I have been incredibly impressed with
their professional approach, so I am
buoyed by this and the work I have seen
the players put in, and excited by our
prospects this year.
I also want to say that I am extremely
pleased and very honored to be here at such a great club as the
interim CEO, and I really appreciate the wonderful welcome I have
received from so many people since I started in my role in late
February.
The other outstanding observation I must make is the enormous
level of passion there is for the Norwood Football Club. I have
seen this passion in the board, the sponsors, the staff and the
volunteers associated with the Redlegs, but most of all in the
Members and supporters with whom I have had contact. If only
a small amount of their commitment to the club adds to the
commitment of our playing group it will go a long way to providing
the impetus for a successful season on the field. I know that
Nathan, the Coaches and the Players will be doing everything
they can to ensure the club is super competitive every week.
Off the field as with every other season we need your support as
members, sponsors and passionate supporters here at Coopers
Stadium for each home game. The life-blood of every SANFL
Club is its supporters, and this season we will make every effort
to make the experience that is “Norwood at Coopers Stadium”
the best we can.
Norwood is an iconic club; it has a
great history, and has had great people
involved since its inception.
I will make one plea here for extra support; I am sure that every
member knows at least one other supporter who loves the
Redlegs, but hasn’t yet signed up. Please get into their ear and
encourage them to join and invite them to every match you are
able to attend. Our very enthusiastic and committed membership
/ sponsorship staff will be as active as possible every game day
with memberships and merchandise on hand.
The Norwood Football Club have some of the best people in the
state involved in the club and one of our highest priorities this
year will be to focus on our “family” of supporters, and to ensure
we connect with everyone in the community who are part of, or
want to be a part of, our great club.All other clubs, I am certain,
are envious of the superb group of sponsors we have here at
Norwood.
Fairmont Homes, Coopers, Paradise
Motors, Australian Outdoor Living,
shredlogix and the Tripodi Group make
up our Major, Stadium and Platinum
partner cohort and we have many other
great sponsors who enable our club to
continue to be at the forefront of the
SANFL.
To our True Red and Blue Partners in the Tagara Group,
Caddle Crash Repairs, the Robin Hood Hotel, Grant Burge
Wines, ASICS, Climat, and Denron Metals, and to all our other
sponsors I very much thank you on behalf of the club and look
forward to speaking with you at the games, functions and
network opportunities we will be holding during the season.
Norwood is an iconic club; it has a great history, and has had
great people involved since its inception. This is as true now as
it has ever been, and I have very quickly become aware of the
tremendous commitment of the Board, the Staff and all involved
with the club. The foundations for success are here at Norwood
- we have good people striving under a united purpose, and with
the help of the whole “Norwood Family” I am sure we will have a
successful 2012.
Geoff Baynes
Redlegs CEO
5

from
THe COaCh
Pre-season is always a challenge in a football club whether
you are a player, coach or administrator. This year it has
been a little more challenging than
normal, but I believe we have come
out stronger - on and off the field.
Areas we looked to improve on
over pre-season were fitness and
strength, tackling, forward entry and
the way we use our small forwards.
We have adjusted a few structures but we continue to move
in a direction that I believe leaves us in a strong position for
long-term success.
The depth of our group is by far the best it has been since I
started working here in 2009; at times the biggest challenge
may be getting all the players that we want into a team
at Norwood. That’s something I am sure every Norwood
Expect to see a committed, strong and
passionate Norwood again this year.
supporter will be willing to give me plenty of advice about!
The start of the season is certainly a tough one with our
first three games against Centrals,
the Eagles and Port. Centrals and the
Eagles I expect to be strong again this
season, while I would be tipping Port to
be the big improvers of the competition.
Expect to see a committed, strong
and passionate Norwood again this
year. After the disappointment of the way 2011 finished, I
am confident we have done the work required over the preseason
to improve our group to challenge for a premiership.
Make sure you are a part of our journey and I am looking
forward to seeing big crowds at Coopers Stadium, as well
as large contingents of Norwood supporters at every away
game. The players and coaches certainly appreciate it.
Nathan Bassett
7

The Norwood Football Club is pleased to announce a new
Corporate Partnership for season 2012. Supporters will now
become familiar with the Montica image on our home and away
shorts. In what is a major coup for the club, we would like to
formally welcome Montica to the Norwood Football Club.
in
FOCUS
Montica specializes in providing structural engineering,
construction and labor services for all steelworks projects.
Managing Director Robert Cammarano described Montica as a
‘three in one’ business. “Our first business operation involves
steel works, including fabrication and various other activities.
Our second business operation is our recruitment division for
labour services. We used to specialize in providing mainly heavy
construction based labour, but now we aim to provide solutions
for all types of businesses and industries. Finally, our third
business operation is our rail and civil division.”
Recently, Montica launched its new and improved interactive
website (www.montica.com.au). Now potential clients can
generate quotes online, while those looking for employment
can submit their applications via the website. With a dynamic
layout and easy to navigate set up, Montica have taken the
difficulty out of sourcing generally ‘hard to find’ information.
In a further boost for the football club, Robert wishes to
associate his website with direct links to the Norwood
football club home page.
Norwood’s continued push for success was something Montica
could specifically relate to. Robert, an avid Norwood supporter,
said that his love for the Norwood Football Club provides an
incentive to directly support the club. ‘We really want to be able
to support the club in its push for a premiership. We are really
proud to be associated with a strong community based club’
We would like to thank Montica for their generous support. We
hope to establish a long and mutually beneficial relationship with
Montica’s strong and reputable brand. Remember to visit their
website for more information.

It is a sad day when the footy finishes for another year.
The sight of council workers taking down the four white
posts for the commencement of the baseball season is
never a pleasing sight.
For supporters, it represents a baron five-month period that
stretches from October, right through to March the following
year. The news reports, articles and general media coverage
lay silent. It is a time when football goes to sleep.
However, for any clubs’ football department, this time is
arguably the most important for the season to come. Players
are sadly told they are no longer required; some retire,
while others throw in the towel – preferring the option of
quick cash in the country. Planning goes into overdrive; the
coaching staff, with the player list at their disposal, analyzes
the areas that need to be improved versus the depth of talent
readily available to them. In most instances, a recruiting drive
begins.
For Norwood, season 2012 brings great promise. The 2012
recruiting drive, headed by head coach Nathan Bassett and
Football Manager Mark Ross, began in earnest following the
shock exit of the League side after the 2011 Preliminary
Final loss to the Woodville Eagles. A need for spreading
midfielders and strong targets in the forward line was
identified.
Enter Jaryd Cachia, Nathan Batsanis and Michael Newton.
Three players the coaching and football department staff
identified as key recruiting targets. Thankfully, all three have
committed to Norwood for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. All
three have been listed at AFL clubs, and therefore understand
the professional requirements of what it takes to become an
elite footballer.
Jaryd is a tough on-baller with good skills on either side of his
body. A product of the TAC Cup, Jaryd made the transition
many under 18 players go through - from high-school
student to full time athlete. “I was rookie listed by Carlton at
the end of 2009” Cachia said. Following the disappointment
of being delisted by the Blues, Jaryd saw the SANFL as
the perfect opportunity to play at the highest level. “I still
wanted to play the best football I could outside of the AFL”,
he added. “I’m ecstatic that I have the opportunity to play for
such a proud club in Norwood.”
Nathan hails from the successful Port Melbourne VFL side. A
team that went through the 2011 season undefeated, Nathan
formed an integral part of the premiership winning midfield.
After achieving the ultimate in team success, he craved a
new challenge. “I played in the SANFL (he was rookie listed
by Port Adelaide in 2007) previously, and it was always in
the back of my mind to come back. The
professionalism, the crowds – it was all
really appealing to me,” Batsanis said.
Another motivating factor was Norwood
coach, Nathan Bassett. “Nathan played
a big role in my decision to play for
Norwood. My ambition is to return to
the AFL, and I feel that under Nathan,
Norwood provides the right environment
for me to do so.”
Following the finals exit in 2011, a glaring deficiency identified
in the Norwood set up was the lack of strong marking targets.
Michael Newton is no stranger to taking big contested
marks. In 2007, Newton took home the AFL’s mark of the
year award. After seven years on Melbourne’s list, Michael
has made the pilgrimage to the Parade. “The professional
I want to win a flag for Norwood... I
want to be a part of a successful team
Nathan Batsanis
environment of the football club impressed me. The history
and tradition of the club really appealed to me also. It is like
the Melbourne Football Club; it is a club you want to play for,’
said Newton. Originally from country Victoria, ‘Juice’ as he
is affectionately known to his teammates, played in the TAC
Cup for the Murray Bushrangers. After a successful junior
career, he was selected with pick 43 in
the 2004 AFL National Draft.
While all three have tasted finals
football in the VFL, their desire for
team success at Norwood is evident.
‘I want to win a flag for Norwood’,
Batsanis declared. Cachia dreams
of an SANFL premiership, ‘I want to
be a part of a successful team’. And while team success is
important, there is also a desire for the spectacular. With a
cheeky grin on his face, Newton quipped, ‘I wouldn’t mind
taking a couple of hangers as well!’
10 11

in
FOCUS
Leading outdoor home improvement specialist Australian
Outdoor Living is a proud major sponsor of the Redlegs,
and recently made an impressive contribution to the club by
volunteering to build the new AOL Display Pavilion.
Located in the Dean Southwood family area, parents and
spectators will soon have the perfect place to watch the footy
under shelter, while the children play on the jumping castle or
join in the handball competition on the artificial lawn provided
by Australian Outdoor Living.
Australian Outdoor Living Managing Director Colin Kuchel
says he is a devoted Redlegs fan, ‘bleeds’ red and blue and
rarely misses a game.
“Not only are the Redlegs a part of the AOL family, but my
own too. I’ve been going to Coopers Stadium since I was a
little boy,” he said.
“Only the other day my son Jaxon said, ‘Dad, I’m going to
live in Norwood when I get older’. I asked him why and he
replied, ‘because I’m going to play for the Redlegs’.”
Established in 2005, Australian Outdoor Living is renowned
as a market leader in outdoor lifestyle home improvements
and outdoor living solutions, specialising in outdoor blinds,
pools and spas, artificial lawn, roller shutters, verandahs and
pergolas, timber decking and swimming pools.
As a friend and supporter of the Redlegs, the Australian
Outdoor Living Door is always open to players, members and
the wider club community. If you are looking for a pool ready
for next summer, a new ‘outdoor room’ or some outdoor
blinds please don’t hesitate to contact Colin on 8229 7000.
He will look after you and give you the best deal available.
Visit www.australianoutdoorliving.com.au for more information
and don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook by clicking on
www.facebook.com/australiaoutdoorliving
19

Thank you for your support in ‘12
Active Asphalt Adam Internet Adelaide Direct Stationers
Adelaide Hills Home Construction All Frames & Mirrors
Arabic Constructions Aristocrat Motor Trimmers Ashby Family
Trust Asics Australian Outdoor Living Axis Computing Balfours
Banner Hardware Be Active Beiersdorf Australia Berry Funerals
Best Bricks Bianco Precast Bird in Hand Wines Brooksy Good Guys
Burke Urban Caddle Crash Repairs Climat Air Club Warehouse
Coca Cola Coopers Brewery Creative Concepts Crust Pizza Daikin
Air Conditioning Denim & Cloth clothing Denron Metals Diageo
Duncan Basheer Hannon Euro Appliances Fairmont Homes Fee Civil
Footersville Gerad McCabe Jewellers Grange Club Grant Burge Wines
Henry’s Drive Vignerons Hillross Financial Services Home Hardware
Tranmere House of Chow Italia Ceramics Ivy League Jardine Lloyd
Thompson JKC Properties Joggers World Jump First Jumping Castle
identity focus King Pawn Lelio Bibbo Letcher & Moroney Malone
Engineering Services Mannix Air Conditioning Manto Cafe McDonalds
Trinity Gardens Michael and Louise Rumball Montica Engineering &
Recruitment Norwood Foodland Paradise Motors PDK Financial
Purifiers Australia Robin Hood Hotel Rostrevor sencing Scout
Recycling Sevenhill Hotel Shred Logix Skins Spencer Motor Trimmers
Stihl Shop Payneham Supreme Freight Management Supreme Painting
Tagara Builders TAV Productions Telstra Shop Norwood The
Alma The Nor East Topline Promotions Trevor Mather Trevor White
Conveyancing Tripodi Group Veolia William Buck Wolf Blass
20 21

Co
C
A year can be a long time in football. Just ask Alex Stopp
– Norwood’s courageous key defender.
After rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at preseason
training in early 2011, Alex was forced to
undergo a full knee reconstruction. ‘I remember the
incident well’, he recalled. ‘I was in front position for
a contest. I jumped for the mark and got caught a
little off balance. When I landed, my leg hit the ground
straight and locked in – this motion caused my knee to
hyperextend, which tore the cruciate ligament in my left
knee.’
A traumatic experience for any footballer, Alex underwent
all the emotions one would expect from a player on the
verge of regular League football. When asked to describe
the feeling upon realizing he would be missing for 12
months, one word came to mind.
Shock. ‘It’s one of those things
that you think won’t ever happen to
you.’ Naturally, negative thoughts
began to creep; however Alex was
not deterred. ‘It’s one of those
things that comes with playing sport,
and in particular football’, he said.
‘My family and team mates were
extremely supportive and helped me
look forward. Obviously it was very frustrating, due to the
nature of the injury. The fact that I was going to be out
for so long, and that it can be difficult to stay involved at
times.’
After the disappointment sank in, Alex began his rigorous
road to recovery. Shortly after the initial incident and
diagnosis, he was booked in for surgery. ‘I had the
knee operated on in late January. From there, the main
focus was getting my knee to bend again and to reduce
the swelling post surgery.’ Anyone who has undergone
knee surgery understands the tedious process involved
in returning to top-level sport. Alex’s case was no
exception, ‘after about 5 months of leg straightening
and strengthening exercises, I was finally able to run,
albeit slowly on a treadmill!’ While most people take for
granted the simple process of going for a jog, Stopp felt
liberated. ‘Those first couple of months (post surgery)
were the most difficult for me. The slow, repetitive pace
of the rehabilitation and movement of my knee was most
frustrating. My knee was still pretty sore and swollen,
and at times it felt everything was taking so long before I
After about 5 months of leg
straightening and strengthening
exercises, I was finally able to run,
albeit slowly on a treadmill!
even saw the slightest improvement.’
Although not being able to play the game he loved
caused much agony, his time-off allowed him to pursue
other interests. ‘After the initial incident and following
my surgery, I had a really strong urge to travel. I had
always wanted to travel overseas, but as other players
would know it can be difficult to fit in with football
commitments. I knew I was going to miss the year; I
felt like it was an opportunity to fulfill that urge.’ After
much deliberation, Alex packed his bags and headed
to Europe for just over two months. ‘I had some great
experiences, although the highlight for me was visiting
Berlin. It is such an interesting place with a unique, albeit
scary history.’ By the time he arrived back in Australia,
he was refreshed and ready to tackle the last part of his
rehabilitation.
Fast forward to March 2012; the
Norwood Football Club has just
completed its summer training series
before the start of the SANFL
season. For Alex, he has so far
successfully completed all that is
required of him to play League
football in 2012. ‘I feel really
good now’, he said. ‘Over the past
month of training my confidence
(in my knee) has come back. It doesn’t really cross my
mind anymore.’ For anyone who has been through the
reconstruction process, the mental battle is often the
toughest. ‘Once I was given the all clear (to resume
competitive training) by the doctor and the physio, I have
been all ‘go’.
With season 2012 fast approaching, Alex is cautious
about the expectations of his comeback year. ‘My goals
are to play consistent footy, continue to work on the
areas (of my game) I need to and be patient. Ultimately,
I crave team success. I will be doing all that I can to help
the League side in its push for a premiership’.
After the past 12 months, and his return to football
imminent, Stopp is philosophical about his journey. He
remains steadfast that the whole episode has contributed
to strengthening his resolve – ‘It has definitely taught me
to have patience and to keep persevering. Some things
don’t happen overnight, particularly my knee. It was an
ongoing process, but I am finally ready to go.’
22 23

Norwood
premierships
Mixed Fortunes
How many games does it take to win a
Premiership? How long is a piece of string?
Since 1878, the Norwood Football
Club has been blessed with 27 League
premierships as well as 19 at Reserves
level; Under 19s have won 17, Under
17s won 9, and the Under 16s won in
2009.
However, over the years we have
experienced several lean periods at
league level when it comes to ultimate success; those periods
being 1908-1921, 1930-1940, 1951-1974, 1985-1996 and
from 1998 to 2011.
This got me thinking – how many players have played the least
number of games, those who played the most games before
winning a premiership with Norwood. Additionally, I wanted to
know how many footballers have played the most football at
24
There are currently 51 players from
1907 who have played 100 games or
more for the club, yet have not tasted
premiership success.
Norwood without being rewarded with
a league premiership.
For example, Perc McCallum began
in 1930, the year after the 1929
premiership, and ended in 1940, the
year before our next flag in 1941. At
least he had the honour of coaching
that team to the flag. Goal kicking
ace Bruce Schultz (124 games) was
unlucky when a career ending knee injury prevented him from
playing in the 1941 premiership team.
There are currently 51 players from 1907 who have played
100 games or more for the club, yet have not tasted
premiership success. This list includes current players Brett
Zorzi and Bryce Campbell, but hopefully the list will shorten
to 49 this season.
Players who have played the most games
without winning a flag are:
Robert Oatey 232 games 1961-74
James Gallagher 218 games 1999-2011
Bill Wedding 214 games 1957-68
Ron Kneebone 201 games 1957-67
Stuart Bown 200 games 1999-2011
Scott Borlace 177 games 1998-2009
Perc McCallum 172 games 1930-40
Peter Aish 162 games 1953-62
Players who played the most number of
games before winning a flag include:
Stephen Rowe 185 games 1987-97
Jerry D’Antiochia 174 games 1986-97
Bill McCallum 154 games 1931-41
Michael Poulter 144 games 1968-75
Perc Bice 135 games 1933-41
Roger Woodcock 125 games 1969-75
John Wynne 121 games 1970-75
Ian Stasinowsky 117 games 1969 + 1972-78
Rodney Seekamp 110 games 1970-75
Harry Johns 100 games 1912-22
Guy Stephens 100 games 1911-22
Perhaps the most fortunate players were
those who played the least number of games
for Norwood before tasting success.
These players are:
2 games Cecil L Martin (1925), Ron Reimann (1948)
3 games John ‘Mick’ Rudd (1948)
4 games Oswald Murphy (1907), Reg Plunkett (1923),
Ron McDougall (1925), Brian Burke (1946)
5 games Ern Wadham (1922)
6 games William Pedder (1948)
7 games Alexander ‘Pat’ Hall (1948)
More recent players are Brian Adamson who played 8 games
in 1978, (although he previously played for West Perth), Jim
Thiel who played in the 1975 premiership after only 9 games,
and Glen Vardanega played his 9th game in the 1984 Grand
Final.
These statistics highlight the contrasting fortunes of many
players in the club’s history. The most poignant figures
are for those who gave outstanding service over the long,
lean periods without ever reaping the reward of a Norwood
premiership.
Graeme Adams
NFC History Group
25

REPoRT
The under 18 team had 3 weeks of training leading into
Christmas and then had a two week break, with training
recommencing on Monday 9th January. Prior to Christmas
73 players attended under 18 training; this has now been cut
back to 56 players who will continue to train and play in the
four upcoming trials. A further reduction to squad numbers
may be made after the trial period. There are six under 19
players training with the under 18 squad at present. At senior
training there are seven under 18 players (James Aish, Trent
Dumont, Matt Wallis, Chase Bower, Aaron Luccon, Eddy
O’Connor and Dan Williamson), while 18 under 19 players
are vying for league selection.
The under 18-team train on Monday night’s at the ‘Uni Loop’,
Tuesday and Thursday night’s at Charles Campbell (all these
sessions start at 5.45pm) and Saturday morning at Coopers
Stadium at 9am. The players have settled in well and are
working hard on learning and putting into practice Nathan
Bassett’s game plan. They are also working hard on their
physiques and have been averaging 32km a week during
training. Their fitness testing results were good on resuming
after the break; with the best 2km time trial time being Tom
Kerin with 6 minutes 20 seconds and Nathan Pippett with
6 minutes 33 seconds (the best senior time for 2km is Tom
Langford with 6 minutes 21 seconds). The squad average was
7 minutes 12 seconds. This indicates that the players trained
well in their first 3 weeks of training and also in their 2-week
break.
There have been a couple of changes to the under 18
competition for 2012. Firstly we will now have 21 players for
each game (has been 22 for the last 3 seasons) and we will
have straight 28-minute quarters (has been 20 minutes plus
time on). The overage rule remains the same; we can play
six under 19 players each week in the under 18 team. The
competition for positions in the under 18 team will be fierce
this year and it will be a fine achievement to be selected to
play for Norwood in the under 18 side in 2012.
The under 18 staff for 2012 will be Andrew Milligan (midfield
coach), Andrew Loechel (defensive coach), Dylan Pfitzner
(fitness and forward coach), Rowley Pengilly (forward coach),
Robert Oatey (kicking coach), Darren Madden (bench coach),
Paul Streatfield (runner), Steve Manning (midfield assistant),
Jane Harris (team manager), Raelee Oatey, Jane Kuerschner
and Renee Caruana (trainers), Bec Ashton (physiotherapist),
Rick Kapperer (time keeper), Mark Vincent (steward) and
David Oatey (coach). It is our job to help the players learn as
quickly as possible and make it a safe environment for them
to develop. The players and I look forward to working with the
people who have volunteered their time and hope they enjoy
their time at Norwood.
James Aish was our standout player; he
has huge work rate, great courage and an
unbelievable ability to read the game and
know what is around him.
In the SANFL under 18 Academy squad coached by Brenton
Phillips, Aaron Luccon, Chase Bower, Matt Wallis, James
Aish, Eddy O’Connor and Dan Williamson will represent
Norwood. The SANFL conducted an Under 16 SANFL
Country Academy squad camp at Immanuel College coached
by Darel Hart on January 14th and 15th 2012. Peter
Bampton, Jarrad Pitson, Cameron Redden and Brayden
Denmead represented Norwood. We wish these young men
the best of luck and hope that their hard work results in State
selection in 2012.
The SANFL Under 18 Academy recently had a week of
training. The week culminated in a trial game on Saturday
18th February. Tullio DeMatteis was a late invitee into the
program, which is an excellent reward for his hard work. In
the trial game, Chase Bower and Matt Wallis were injured
and unfortunately could not take part. James Aish was our
standout player; he has huge work rate, great courage and an
unbelievable ability to read the game and know what is around
him. He is also a fantastic ball user by both hand and foot. I
am sure our supporters will be excited to watch James play at
Norwood for the next 2 seasons. Dan Williamson and Aaron
Luccon did some nice things at times, while DeMatteis was
played as a deep defender (not his normal role). However, he
showed good speed and defended well. Eddy O’Connor played
as a lead up forward and took some nice marks and used the
ball well. The next 2 months will be important for all these
players to push their names forward by playing good football at
Norwood.
On a different note, I have changed my role at Norwood after
ten years as Development/Talent Manager. Robbie Neill has
taken over as Talent Manager and I have been lucky enough to
be able to continue coaching the Norwood Under 18’s in 2012
(and beyond I hope!). I loved working full time at Norwood; I
have met hundreds of fantastic players, coaches, volunteers,
members and supporters. It has been a wonderful learning
experience for me, certainly a vastly different job than my
teaching role at Pembroke. It has given me endless joys trying
to help the players achieve their goals while also helping the
football club win junior games, whilst also aiming to produce
league and AFL players. I will remain involved as a coach and
I am sure I will continue to learn a lot from Nathan Bassett,
Jarrod Cotton and Robbie Neill and their support staff.
Personally, I hope that I will be able to coach better in 2012 and
I look forward to Norwood continuing to be near the top of the
SANFL league ladder. Additionally, we will continue to remain as
one of the best development clubs by having the best development
program outside of the AFL. I am sure our development program
will be in excellent hands with Robbie and Nathan at the helm
in 2012. I have too many people to thank, but would like to say
I have appreciated all the support from the board, supporters,
players and their families and staff at Norwood.
A special thanks to all the coaches I have worked with over the
10 years and the fantastic support staff that have volunteered
their time to help the players. They have also been a huge
help and support to me. David Wark was the General Manager
who employed me and gave me the chance to work full time
in football, while Dominic Shepley was hugely supportive
of the requests that I made to help push our development
program forward. I would like to thank both these men for the
opportunities they gave me. I look forward to seeing you all
at Coopers Stadium, watching our league team win plenty of
games in 2012 and beyond.
Fred has electrifying pace and loves
to take on the opposition, giving the
supporters many heart palpitations
when he gets the ball in his hands
deep in defence.
Player to watch Fred Beytell
Fred hails from the Golden Grove Football Club and was
directed to Norwood by his coach at Golden Grove, Grant
Coffee. Fred lives in Golden Grove and has showed great
improvement during his 4 years at Norwood. Fred played as a
midfielder in Robbie Neill’s Under 16 team in 2010 and then
played some really exciting football in the Under 18’s in 2011
as a small defender.
Fred has electrifying pace and loves to take on the opposition,
giving the supporters many heart palpitations when he gets the
ball in his hands deep in defence. He runs fast into the holes
and feeds out handballs, and then gets the ball back and runs
it out of defence. He is an 180cm tall and 77kg player who
defends well, we use him as our designated kicker due to his
speed and good decision-making.
David Oatey
U18 Head Coach
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