Norwood traditions: Some famous players
The Norwood Club was founded in 1878 by the late Arthur J. Diamond, Harry C. Burnet, J. R. Osborn, A. S. Young, and T. Letchford. ‘Joe’ Osborn was the first captain, Alf McMichael vice-captain, and Arthur J. Diamond hon secretary. To the ability, energy, and enthusiasm of the last named the club owed a great deal of its success during the first decade of its existence. He was, in fact, a wonderful secretary. The colors were red-and-blue (worn in the same manner as at present), and the playing ground in the parklands, near East Terrace.
In 1878 some splendid footballers migrated from Victoria. Among them were Alf McMichael (a noted follower from Carlton), Billy Dedman (a champion goalsneak from Carlton), Lou Suhard (a burly follower from Melbourne), Billy Bracken (goalsneak from Carlton), Joe Traynor (a great follower from North Melbourne), ‘Jammy’ Watson (Melbourne), W. and J. Souter (South Yarra), and Joe Pollock (Hotham Hill).
Players of note in the red-and-blue ranks have been:— Topsy Waldron (Carlton), Harry Burnet (a champion all-round athlete), Tom Blinman, Jack Coward, F. Chapman, T. Green, George Giffen (a champion long kick [and Australian cricketer), Loy Kauffman, F. and T. Letchford, J. Lowe, A. and F. Terrill, Julian and Ted Woods, Steve McKee, George Liston, Guff Rawson, A. S. Young, George Combs, Jim Shaw, and George McKee (two of the best wing men in Australia), Guinea Dixon, H. Rischbieth, A. Burton, Paddy Ratchock (champion wrestler, weight-lifter and thrower), Alf Roberts, Jack McGaffin, Slogger Guster, and Paddy McGrath (two all-day followers of the first water), Bob and Ossy Bertram (the latter, a great centre man). Jack Holbrok, Jack Woods (a tip-top back and centre man), Charlie Woods (a remarkable goal kick), ‘Bos’ Daly (who kicked 23 goals against West Adelaide in 1896 at Kensington Oval — probably a record), Dick Correll, Alf Grayson, Arthur Jackson, Alby Green (one of the cleanest and best rovers in the nineties), Ted Hantke, Phil Newland, Charlie Barnes, Billy and Harold Miller, Roy Hill, Charlie Gwynn (a prince among followers), Lance Lewis (also a splendid ruckman), "Galloper" Norman Richards (a leading back man), Billy and A. Trembath, Dean Dawson (a magnificent long kick), W. Padman, Alby Bahr, Dick Stoddart, Jim Halliday, Jimmy Gosse, Tommy Gibbons, Len Chamberlain, Bruce Townsend, Vic and Guy Stephens, Sid White, W. Scott, Alick Lill, Tom Hart, and Alick Bent.
Norwod swept everything before them from 1878 to 1883 inclusive— premiership honors six seasons in succession. They decisively defeated South Melbourne for the championship of Australia in 1888 at Kensington Oval. It was to be decided by the best two out of three games, and Norwood covered themselves with glory by winning the whole three. It was an eye-opener for the Victorian champions.
The club gained the premiership in the following seasons:— 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882; 1883, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1891, 1894, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1922 and 1923. In 1907 they defeated Carlton and gained the championship of Australia for the second time. Prominent workers for the club have been the late Sir Edwin Smith (the father of manly sport in South Australia) the late Mr R. B. Kippist (an indefatigable hon. secretary), Mr George Searcy (one of the founders of Australian football, who was a central umpire in Victoria), the late Mr W. Griffiths (the father of electorate football and a great worker as hon. treasurer), and Mr A. W. Piper, K.C. (for several years president).
John ‘Bunny’ Daly joined Norwood in the eighties from Creswick, a junior team, and at once became the talk of South Australia. If ever there was a born footballer he was one. Brilliant, fast, strong, slippery, a fine kick at any angle, full of quick judgment and tricky play, friend and foe alike pronounced him the most brilliant and finished footballer in Australia.
One of the most remarkable and glorious victories achieved in Norwood history was the winning of the premiership against Port on the Jubilee Oval in 1904. At lemon time it was a forlorn hope; 8.10 to 3.5 in favor of the Magpies. Many of the spectators left the ground. But what a change came over the scene when that splendid skipper, the late Phil Newland, and his men came with a rush. Jimmy Gosse and Harold and Billy Miller, in fact, every man in the team, excelled himself and before Port knew where they were six goals were piled on, and the Redlegs had won by four points.
‘Topsy’ Waldron captained Norwood in many of their successes. He was full of ginger and go. A past-master of all moves on the field, he has not been excelled as a leader.
During the four seasons previous to last year Norwood occupied the bottom position on the premiership table. In 1920, however, after having performed indifferently during the greater part of the programme, they came to the fore towards the end. In the match with North for the final honors they were beaten, and were thus runners-up. In 1921 with another good team they again finished second. The premiership went to them in the two succeeding years, and in 1924 they were third.
Footnotes
Title: Norwood traditions: Some famous players
Author: A. S. Diamond
Publisher: The Mail (Adelaide, SA: 1912-1954)
Date: Saturday, 26 September 1925, p.4 Article
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