Untitled - Norwood Football Club

INSIDETHe CLUBI know that other clubs are envious of the support ourplayers receive and I also know that the positiveinvolvement of our supporters has a significant influenceon our results. I hope we continue to build on ournumbers as we go through the season.When I wrote my first Redlegs Review article prior to our first trial matchagainst North Adelaide, little were we to know that as of round nine theSenior Team under Coach Nathan Bassett would be undefeated and ontop of the table, as is the Reserves Team under Coach Jarrod Cotton.The credit for these positions must go to the entire Football Department;the Coaches led by Nathan, the Players who superbly represent theNorwood Football Club and the Administration and Volunteer groupsled by our Football Operations Manager, Mark Ross. All of these peoplehave contributed to the harmony within the playing group, an aspectwhich is often overlooked as a contributing factor to team success.In my first article I also made reference to the great people of theNorwood Football Club I had already met and also the people in thestands and on the terraces who support the Club so well week in andweek out. This exceptional level of support is borne out by the fact thatNorwood has featured in virtually the highest crowd numbers for bothhome and away fixtures in every round so far this season.And I can assure all members and supporters that the Players absolutelyappreciate the support they are getting each and every week. I know thatother clubs are envious of the support our players receive and I also knowthat the positive involvement of our supporters has a significant influenceon our results. I hope we continue to build on our numbers as we gothrough the season.Also, as I have now had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the playersand coaches, and watch them prepare for each game, I now have a muchgreater appreciation of the quality of our playing lists and our coachinggroups, a level of quality which extends right throughout the Club.Members can rightly be proud of all who represent the Club, they aregenuinely good people who take the responsibility of being a Redlegvery seriously, and who are determined to position the Club at theforefront of the competition.I am pleased to report that the general position of the Club is good andwe are meeting our targets for sponsorship and turnover at our homegames. We are very lucky to have great long-term sponsors and MelissaEllery, our Partnerships Manager, has recently lamented that we do nothave more fence space as we have sponsors waiting to add their namesto those who already identify themselves with the Club through theiron-field signs.However, we do have one category that is still down on the last twoyears, that being, Club Membership. If there was ever a year the Clubneeded as many paid up members as possible it isthis year, with the team on top and every other Clubhunting us each week. I would encourage everysupporter, especially those who are yet to renewtheir membership, to give the Club a ring and signup – we as a club should aim to set the standard inall aspects of the SANFL, and Membership is onearea where we should be well on top.Another 500 members would bring us up to nearlast year’s level and show the competition our Clubis the most committed in the League. I know Nathanis especially keen for any past players who are yetto sign up to make the call and get back involvedthrough being a member. I reiterate the plea I madein the first 2012 Redlegs Review, being that eachMember must know a true Redlegs supporter who isyet to sign or re-sign as a member. If you can ‘get intheir ear’ and encourage them to ring the Club, thenwe will achieve our target of best membershipin the League.On a less happy note I would like to acknowledge,on behalf of the Norwood Football Club, two LifeMembers who have recently passed away.Firstly, just recently, Alan Brewer, affectionly knownas “Big Al”, passed away. Alan was a twenty-yearvolunteer as part of our support staff and onlyretired from that role in 2004 due to ill health.As I am sure everybody acknowledges Clubs likeNorwood would not function without great volunteerslike Al, who is fondly remembered by all who knewhim here at Norwood.Also last month one of our former premiershipgreats, Doug Drage, died. Doug was a three-timepremiership player, a very quick goal-kicking rover,who played in a golden era for Norwood with suchgreats as Jack Oatey, Doug Olds, John Marriottand Sam Gallagher.It is worth recalling, because it puts in perspectivewhat the players of Doug’s era did to play football,that Doug routinely would work in his step-father’sbakery from mid-night Friday until the early hoursof Saturday morning, then he occasionally playedwith his brother Tom in the local Payneham teamon Saturday morning, before donning the Norwoodjumper for the league game on Saturday afternoon.In all Doug played 106 games and featured in fivegrand finals and like so many of his era he loved theclub and instilled that love of Norwood in his family.It was great to see his Granddaughter, Emma Brownand her family, here at Coopers Stadium supportingthe Redlegs at the North V Norwood game.I know all our supporters and especially our currentPlayers appreciate the contribution men such as Aland Doug have made to the History of the Norwoodfootball club. I am sure their spirit will live on in therich culture that is the Norwood Football Club Family.GEOFF BAYNESREDLEGS CEO6

Known as one of South Australia’s most professional commercialconstruction contractors, Tagara Builders, recently aidedthe refurbishment of player facilities at Cooper Stadium.Redlegs President Joe Tripodi initiated the reinvention of playerfacilities by inviting Tagara Builders Director, John Kassaraon a brainstorming tour of the existing facilities. Joe and Johndiscussed the footy club’s belief that improving player facilitieswould assist on-field performances - and as a long time Redlegssupporter and club sponsor, John was only too happy to oblige.John brought in a team of highly skilled and qualified tradespeople to a second inspection. The close collaborationbetween Redlegs management and the experienced buildersenabled the design of the refurbishment to be resolvedefficiently and any build-ability issues resolved early, whilstmaintaining clear focus on the top-level objective.The refurbishment included the conversion of the old spainto an 8 person standing ice bath. The ice bath acceleratesplayer recovery after match day and can help prevent injuryand repair muscle tissue by reducing inflammation associatedwith playing football at high intensity. This can make a hugedifference to match day performance the following week.INFOCUS“The old Property Steward’s Room was refitted as a newPhysiotherapy area with an open plan and much more spacethan the old Physio area. The old sauna room also was fittedout as the new Property Steward’s Room.This is a great example of how a Major Partner sponsoringtheir expertise, advice and skilled resources can havean impact on on-field performance. A relatively youngorganisation in comparison to the Redlegs, Tagara Builders- who’s services include general commercial construction,responsive maintenance, and concrete and carpentry tradepackages - will in August this year celebrate their 20th yearin business. The Glynde based builder shares the Redlegs’unrelenting determination to perform at the highest level andthis has seen the company achieve considerable success inits first 20 years.A comprehensive (and still growing) list of managementsystem accreditations has helped position Tagara as one ofthe top Tier-2 builders in the state. Some of the projects inthe company’s Works In Progress list certainly straddle theborder of being Tier-1 projects. A diverse service providerto Federal, State and Local Government clients - as well ascorporate organisations, developers and private clients alike -Tagara still makes plenty of time for smaller, local communityprojects like the Redlegs Refurbishment. The company’stwo offices and entire senior management team is located inSouth Australia and you’ll often catch John - who was bornand bred in William Street, Norwood - and General ManagerJoe Neubauer at Redlegs games. For more information visittagara.com.au10

CROSSINGOVeR‘Not since Jim West in 97’ have we had arecognized full forward!’Whilst standing on Coopers Hill or browsing the variousInternet forums, this chant is one of the all too familiar criesto be heard from the Norwood faithful. Not since that 1997triumph has the Norwood forward line been graced with aconsistent, strong marking key forward.Enter Ben Warren. The namesake of the North Melbournegoal sneak, Warren comes to the Parade in the midst ofanticipation and excitement. With the coinciding recruitmentof the highflying Michael Newton, all of a sudden Norwood’sforward line already looks potent.His recruitment came after a 12-month hiatus from regularSANFL football. After a ten-year career that achieved 163games and 346 goals for South Adelaide, Warren’s bodywas beginning to show the wares of playing competitiveLeague football for just on a decade. “I had a few injurytroubles throughout 2010. Personally, I probably had mymost disappointing season since I started playing Leaguefooty, and we were struggling as a team” Warren said.Compounding his form and injury, South Adelaide, the clubhe captained, was going through its own transitional period.Ron Fuller had just completed his first full year as Senior Coachof the Panthers. After a year of toil and struggle, Warren feltboth Fuller and the Club were ‘going down a different path’, onewhich did not include the captain in their future planning. It wastime to start a new chapter in his footballing life.After speaking to Norwood Football Manager Mark Ross atthe commencement of the 2010 season, Warren decidedto go back to his roots. A junior at Langhorne Creek, hewanted to pull on the boots where his footballing journeybegan; “I had a few mates playing there and my family is stillinvolved with the footy club. In the end, it was a pretty easydecision to go back.” The added incentive of playing withhis brother was a combination too good to ignore. From anindividual and team perspective, the move paid off. “We wonthe premiership, which was great. I think we had 10 or 11players that had played SANFL football, so we had a prettyhandy side.”After achieving the success of a premiership at his homeclub, Warren’s ambition to achieve success at SANFLLeague level was more determined. Fortunately, his bodyhad rewarded his decision to drop a level or two in intensity.Within the space of a few months, Warren landed back onNorwood’s doorstep. Following the original enquiry to acquirehis services, Football Manager Ross ensured the connectionbetween Warren and Norwood was not lost – “Mark rang meduring the 2011 season to see if I would still be interested –and I was! We sat down as soon as the season finished andmade the move back to SANFL football happen.”However, in the brief transition from Langhorne CreekPremiership to SANFL pre-season with Norwood, joining theRedlegs was by no means a ‘fait accompli’. ‘”I actually spoketo Sturt first. My brother-in-law, Jordan Mutton, plays thereand my father-in-law, Gary Mutton, is a life member”, Warrenadmitted. However, the lure of premiership success aided hisdecision to don the dark blue instead,saying, “I think my wife was a little bitdisappointed, but at the end of the day Iwant to win a premiership!”With the benefit of hindsight, Warren isable to reflect on the decision he made tobecome a Redleg. “It was an easy decisionin the end.” He added, “If I was goingto play SANFL football again, I wantedto go to a club with the best chance ofachieving finals success. Nothing is everguaranteed in footy, but the last two yearsshowed me that Norwood isn’t too far offthe pace.”If I was going to play SANFL footballagain, I wanted to go to a club withthe best chance of achieving finalssuccess. Nothing is ever guaranteed infooty, but the last two years showed methat Norwood isn’t too far off the pace.BEN WARRENThe hunger for a League premiership is evident, and it is of littlesurprise considering where Warren has come from. After leadingSouth Adelaide through a period where on-field performancewas modest at best, Warren’s commitment to team successis unquestionable. When comparing the two clubs, Warren isphilosophical - “Generally, football clubs are very similar. Eachclub has great people, supporters, volunteers and players.However, Norwood has great depth with its playing list. Themajority of the players on the list are giving themselves the bestchance of playing league football, with their professionalism andpreparation. It’s great to be involved in an environment like that.”Like a duck to water, Warren has fittedin exceptionally well at the Parade. Hisworking relationships with his coachesare strong – he finds Nathan Bassett’ssense of humor ‘pretty funny’, andhis leadership and experience hasproven to be an invaluable addition toa youthful Norwood line up. Followingthe departures of Stephen Doyle,James Gallagher and Stuart Bownto retirement at the end of the 2011season, Norwood stands to benefitfrom Warren’s wisdom and experience.11 13 14 12

1997PReMIeRSHIPJohn Cunningham remembers the 1997 Grand Final like ithappened yesterday. When asked to give his memories forthis article, his immediate response was one of disbelief. “15years?” he said, staring in astonishment. “It’s gone so quick!”Whilst long-starved Norwood supporters would beg-to-differwith ‘JC’s’ assessment, for the class of 97’, time has literallyflown. 2012 marks the 15th yearanniversary that the Norwood FootballClub achieved the ultimate success.Since that time, Central Districthas emerged as the pre-eminentsuper power, with only Sturt andWoodville-West Torrens challengingtheir superiority in the Noughties.However, a different super powerreigned supreme during the Nineties.The Port Adelaide Magpies had wonfive of seven premierships leadinginto the 1997 season. It would need to take a team full oftalent and experience to pose a challenge to this dominance.John Cunningham, one of Norwood’s prime movers atthe time, recalls the preseason of 1997 as one of greatoptimism. “The senior list was probably one of the strongestin the long and proud history of the club”, he reflectedrecently. “We had added guys with plenty of AFL experience-Andrew Jarman, Jim West, Glen Malloy, and picked up ahandful of guys from other clubs including Damian Obst fromSturt.” It seemed Norwood was destined to challenge itsarchrival from the very beginning.And while the new additions presented plenty of hope thatNorwood would create history for the first time in 13 years,It was the moment the Norwood faithfulhad been waiting for - a chance at theclub’s first premiership in 13 years. Anenticing encounter made all the moremomentous by the fact the club wouldcome up against its one-hundred yearrival, the Port Adelaide Magpies.expectations were quickly tempered. During the first practicematch in preparation for the 1997 season, Cunninghampopped his anterior cruciate ligament, most commonly knownas an ACL. Without the revolutionary LARS surgery techniqueto aid a speedy recovery, there was no other choice but toundergo a full knee-reconstruction. “Fortunately for me, theoperation went well. The surgeon advised me that there maybe the chance I could come back earlyif I was willing to take the risk. By roundfour of the SANFL season, I decided tocommence full rehabilitation with the aimof playing finals football later in the year.”Whilst Cunningham was recovering fromhis serious knee injury, the Redlegs wenton their winning way through the 1997season. At the completion of the Homeand Away series, Norwood was perchedon top of the ladder. And despite theabsence of players like Cunningham,Norwood’s recruits had adequatelyfilled the void. It would prove to be a testament to the qualityNorwood had in its playing stocks at the time, with no lessthan 10 Redlegs in the SANFL state team. However, the mostimportant time of the year was approaching and expectationswere at their highest.In the last Home and Away match of the year, Norwoodovercame its archrival Port Adelaide by 27 points. Althoughthe confidence gained from that match would be neededwhen the sides resumed acquaintances two weeks later,it proved to count for very little. In the second semi final atFootball Park, a hungry Magpies team desperate to shake thatyear’s premiership race outplayed Norwood. Garry McIntosh,Norwood’s favorite son and captain, recalled that while theloss hurt, the focus of the group could not be deterred.“We were still very confident going into the next week,” herecalled. “We had had plenty of the ball but unfortunatelywe could not put it on the scoreboard. We had some strongleadership at the club, and along with Peter Rohde (clubcoach) we were able to keep our strong sense of belief.”A quick response was needed - a sudden death clashagainst Central Districts waited in the Preliminary Final thefollowing week. The mid 1990’s were arguably the mostcritical in the development of the Bulldog’s as a superpower of the SANFL competition. After years of mediocrity,systems were put in place that enabled them to becomelegitimate contenders for premiership honors. Late in the1997 season, Central would beat the Redlegs by 7 points.Full of anticipation, this match promised to be a struggleright to the very end. And a struggle it was – Norwoodovercoming the Dog’s by a miserly 11 points. McIntoshremembers the grit, determination and strength of theNorwood side – “Our ability when they (Central) challengedus, just to keep doing the things that made us a strong sideall year. Our contested footy, our hard two-way runningand our skills were able to get us over the line.” Followingthe victory, McIntosh remembers feeling both relief andexcitement about the week to come. “There was a mixtureof both (relief and excitement). Relief because there was alot of expectation on this group, and excitement because wehad another chance to break a 13 year drought.”It was the moment the Norwood faithful had been waitingfor a chance at the club’s first premiership in 13 years. Anenticing encounter made all the more momentous by the factthe club would come up against its one-hundred year rival,the Port Adelaide Magpies. However, the week leading up tothe Grand Final would prove to be one of extreme happinessfor some, and disappointment and heartache for others.On the eve of the League side’s finals campaign,John Cunningham, Tod Davey and Aaron Keating had allrecovered from injury to commence playing in the reserves.It gave all three players the best possible chance of breakinginto the League side in time for the Grand Final decider.Conversely, McIntosh would have to face the SANFL tribunalfollowing the win over Central’s. He was subsequentlysuspended for one match for striking Stewy Dew.Cunningham recalls the controversy of the event, “Whilst notreported during the game, ‘Macca’ was cited by video reviewfor punching Dew. Up until that point, video review had neverbeen used to report and suspend a player. Unfortunately for‘Macca’, he was the first.” McIntosh himself remembers theincident as none other than accidental contact. “Dew hadthe ball up near his head. I attempted to punch it clear butaccidentally clipped the corner of his eye,” said McIntosh. Ascaptain of the side, McIntosh was forced to put his personalemotions aside for the benefit of the team. “I was verydisappointed (at being suspended). I was ‘rubbed out’ for aminor incident which inevitably turned out to carry a penaltyof 13 years, not just 1 match.”With tension and expectation at its peak, Norwood wouldgo on to record a resounding win in the Grand Final decider.After an intense opening term, the Redlegs would kick awayto a convincing 73-point victory over the Magpies. As fatewould have it, John Cunningham, the man who suffereda seemingly season-ending injury, would go on to win theJack Oatey Medal as the best player afield. “Being fortunateenough to win the Jack Oatey Medal is obviously a oncein a lifetime experience,” said Cunningham. “It justified thedecision to try and comeback before the season finished. Toachieve such a wonderful individual honour, along with beinglucky enough to be selected as one of the 21 players on theday was an amazing experience. That team will go down asone of the all time greatest.”13 14

FAMILY HISTORYIN ReD AND BLUeThere is nothing more romantic in football than familytradition. The idea that generations of footballers can followin their predecessor’s footsteps is something to behold,especially when these family lines produce some of football’sgreatest players.The Norwood Football Club has been blessed with generationsof families who seemingly have ‘red and blue blood’ pumpingthrough their veins. Names such as Gallagher and Dalwoodare synonymous with Redleg success and achievement.However, the burden of living under the shadow of previousgreats can almost be a ‘poison chalice’. Dealing withsupporters’ expectations versus natural ability can be a hardact to follow. Especially when your surname is Aish.James Aish is 16 years of age. The sonof Andrew, James has a destiny whichsome may say was written for him. Hisbloodline speaks for itself; not only did hisfather play over 80 games for Norwood,he is the nephew of the famous Michael.James’ cousin Jesse was only recentlydelisted from the League list for season2012. A combination of luck, injuries andform worked against him.With such famous bloodlines, the question has to be asked– does the youngest Aish feel any pressure? “I don’t feelany extra or additional pressure due to the Aish name. I justfocus on doing my job for the team and developing myself asa player,” said James.And just like that, any doubts ranging from the clichéquestions on pressure and family dissipate. There is a peacefulassurance in the way he handles himself. And while hebrushes off the pressure like a seasoned media professional,he is also incredibly proud of his family and its achievements- “I am very proud of the family history within the club. It issomething that I hope to continue for as long as I can.”Like his famous uncle, James has managed a seamlesstransition from star junior to established League regular inas little as six months. Which begs the question, how does aI am very proud of the family historywithin the club. It is something that Ihope to continue for as long as I can.16 year old, 70-kilogram teenager manage to mix it with thebigger, hardened bodies of SANFL football? “In all honestyI feel I have been able to adjust really well,” said James.“Training was at a very high standard over the summer, whichmade it easier (to prepare for the step in intensity) into trialgames. The main difference, for me, was just the biggerbodies and physical pressure. With each game I play I feelmore comfortable.”In the eyes of many, comfortable is an understatement. Atthe time of writing this piece, the season is five rounds old.Norwood has played three games and James has been inthe best six players in two of them. His best effort came onthe back of a round three thrashing of the reigning premier,the Eagles, at Coopers Stadium. Aish managed 25 disposalsand 2 goals – culminating with beingnominated as the Rising Star of theSANFL for that round.Unfortunately, most pundits in theknow suggest James will not be aroundmuch longer to carry the Aish ‘torch’at Woods Street. Although ineligiblefor this years AFL draft, he will be ableto be selected by one of the 18 AFLclubs at the commencement of the 2013 season. Alreadya member of the AIS – AFL Academy for elite junior talentacross Australia, James is continually being mentored bysome of the AFL’s greatest modern day players. “Through theprogram I have been able to work with Glen Jakovich, BradJohnson, Chris Johnson and a range of others. The mainthing I have learnt through this experience is to train at a highstandard and always look to improve as a player and person,”James explained.No doubt James will be a source of inspiration for manyyoung Norwood footballers looking to defy their age andpress for League selection. Does he have any advice forthose young players? “Age has never been a barrier for mebecause I have loved the challenge of improving myself.” Headded, “All I can say is if you enjoy what you are doing, thendo whatever you can to be the best you possibly can be. Pickthe brains of anyone with football knowledge – if they arehappy to help!”23 24

MULTI TALENTEDReDLeGSOver the years Norwood has produced manyfootballers that have excelled in other sports.Given the Norwood Football Club’s early connection with theNorwood Cricket Club and later East Torrens, it is oflittle surprise that so many of its leaguefootballers have chosen to play cricket inthe summer. More surprising perhaps, ishow many have played at a district, stateor national level.Australian captain Joe Darling, GeorgeGiffen (Norwood’s first goalscorer), WalterGiffen, Philip “P.K.”.Lee, and Joe Travers,all played Test cricket for Australia. GregBlewett (Norwood U/17’s) Tim May (U/17’s) and Peter Sleep(U/19’s) also wore the baggy green after playing juniorfootball at the Parade.Norwood footballers have alsoshone in many other sports.The following played in the Sheffield Shield: Harry Blinman,Cornelius, Jack and Len Chamberlain, Neil “Nodder” Dansie,our first Magarey Medallist, Alby Green, Harry Haldane,Theodore E.C. Hantke (WA) Arthur, Roy and “Solly” Hill,Harold P. ”Mother” Kirkwood, Eric Johnson, John Lill,who later became Melbourne Cricket Club secretary, JohnNash, Phil Newland also toured Englandand New Zealand with Australian teams,Arthur Ernie Peters, James Pyke, KarlSchneider, champion full forward BruceSchultz, Richard “Bruce” Townsend, tentime NFC captain “Topsy” Waldron andHenry Whitfield. Norman Jolly played forWorcestershire (U.K).There have been numerous players in the history of the NFCwho have also played A Grade cricket. Whilst it has becomeincreasingly difficult to combine both sports, some recentexamples include current League coach Nathan Bassett(Kensington), Scott Borlace (Tea Tree Gully), Scott Burns(East Torrens), Matthew and Richard Kelly (East Torrens),Ben Kemp (East Torrens), Matthew Twomey (East Torrens) andcurrently Tim Webber is the opening batting for East Torrens.Norwood footballers have also shone in many other sports.Peter and Robert Oatey, Alf Roberts, Gordon Schwartz,Theodore E C Hantke, Tom Warhurst senior, and DougYoung were all prominent tennis players who representedthe South Australia.Alf Roberts was also a distinguished walker and ErnWadham a professional athlete who won the Bay Sheffieldin 1922. JD “Bunny” Daly (1896) and Len Parker (1927)were also past winners of this prestigious event.Our state rowers have included Joseph Oswald Bertram,Neil Button, James Gosse and Alf Grayson. PatrickRoachock was a well-known professional boxer, wrestler,hammer thrower and weightlifter.Allan Lyon captained the South Australian Table-Tennis teamand Phil Newland, William Noal and Dr. Dean Dawson playedstate lacrosse. Jack Chamberlain skippered the state bowlsteam and represented Singapore in Rugby Union.The History Group is interested to hear from anyone whomay have other examples of Norwood league footballersstarring in other sports.REONALDO CIALININFC HISTORY GROUP25 26

DEVELOPMENTRePORTThe goal of the program is to identify talent andathleticism, assist the players in their learningof how we want the lads to play at Norwoodand provide them with the best possibleenvironment for which they can learn.UNDER 16 SEASONThe Redlegs Under 16 program concluded on Saturday 12thMay with a determined 7-point victory over a very talentedGlenelg team in the SANFL Macca’s Talent Shield GrandFinal at AAMI Stadium.The match was played after the Adelaide Crows v Geelongclash, giving all players the opportunity of playing on thepremier football stadium in South Australia.The match was closely contested all night, with Norwoodleading at quarter time by one point, Glenelg at half time by 5points, Norwood by ten points at the last break, before holdingout a fast finishing Tigers unit by 7 points at the final siren.Peter Bampton, who has been playing U18 football thisseason, was outstanding with his body strength, speed andball use. He was well supported by skipper Matt Hallandal,live wire small forward Nic Pansini, with key forwards MacBower, Ryan Llewellyn and Brayden Denmead prominent.Riley Sinnott was classy in defence.Over the course of the program, forty players haverepresented the squad in eight preliminary round matchesagainst all SANFL clubs. The squad finished the regularseason with six wins and two losses and on top of theMacca’s Talent Shield ladder.Is this the ultimate goal of the program? absolutely not.The goal of the program is to identify talent and athleticism,assist the players in their learning of how we want the ladsto play at Norwood and provide them with the best possibleenvironment IN which they can learn. Training is the mostimportant part of our underage program at Norwood.The players will now move into different programs for theremainder of the season. Some will move on to our Under18 program with David Oatey, others will go back to the Under15 program, in conjunction with local club and school matches.It has been a pleasure to work with this ambitious group ofyoung men over the last five months; however, none of thisis possible without the support of caring people.I would like to thank assistant coaches Tim Weatherald,David Ising and Tod Barabas for their valued contribution,Team Manager Ralph Osborne, Head Trainer,Tania Herbertand assistant Nick Cubitt for attending to the sore bodiesafter each game, Physio, Bec Ashton, Time keeper, RickKapperer, Scoreboard attendant, Mark Vincent and KickingCoach, Robert Oatey.To Nathan Bassett and David Oatey, thank you for thecoaching support that provides a strong structure for theplayers to learn.To Jarrod Cotton and Shredlogix, thank you for yoursponsorship of our junior program. It is greatly appreciated.Most importantly, it is the parents that take the players toand from training, which is a huge task considering we trainat varying venues during the season. Besides that, there arethe physio visits in order to get the players back on the parkfrom injury. Thank you!Congratulations to Peter Bampton, Mac Bower, Nic Pansini,Matt Hallandal and Ryan Reavley who have been chosenin the preliminary state squad for the NAB AFL U16Championships to be held in Western Sydney from July7th-13th. A final squad of twenty-five plus five emergencieswill be chosen after a series of trial matches in the comingweeks. Good luck lads!UNDER 18’sThe Under 18’s, coached by David Oatey, have started 2012strongly, sitting second on the Macca’s Cup ladder after 9rounds, with six wins and one loss.The depth of talent at Norwood has been evident with JamesAish playing league football since round 1 as an under 17,Trent Dumont playing reserves also as an under 17 and under18’s, Aaron Luccon, Fred Beytell, Daniel Williamson, ChaseBower, Matthew Wallis and Steve Baldasso, receivingopportunities at senior level.Tullio De Matteis (Rostrevor College) and Mitchell Wilkins (StPeters College) have also played senior trials prior to returningto school football. Both have exceptional talent and athleticism.The progress of these players is by nomeans luck. The environment for whichthe lads are able to learn is critical totheir development as individuals andperforming in a team structure.Along with Eddy O’Connor, Orazio Fantasia and a number ofother young talented players, the future is looking bright atThe Parade.The progress of these players is by no means luck. Theenvironment for which the lads are able to learn is critical totheir development as individuals and performing in a teamstructure. The time and preparation that David and his teamof coaches put in editing footage for the boys to review andlearn from, is substantial. From there, the players undertaketraining activities and game phases that replicate what theywill experience on match day. We feel that this is workingwell across all grades.Finally, congratulations to Aaron Luccon, Tullio De Matteis,Fred Beytell, Steve Balsasso, Matt Wallis, James Aishand Trent Dumont, who have been chosen in the SouthAustralian squad to participate in the upcoming NAB AFLU18 Championships. I’m sure all players will perform wellon the big stage!ROBBIE NEILLDEVELOPMENT MANAGER27 28