Australian Football

A solid, strong marking and eminently reliable key position defender who could also do a serviceable job on the forward lines, Tom Warhurst was a key player for Norwood both before and immediately after World War II. He debuted with the club in 1935, won a best and fairest award in 1939, and was captain for part of the 1940 season, which was his last before embarking on military service.

When full scale football resumed in 1945, Warhurst played a big part in helping the Redlegs emerge as a force. In 1946 he was at full back, and one of his side’s best players, in a 13.14 (92) to 9.10 (64) Grand Final defeat of Port Adelaide. When he retired the following year he had played a total of 94 league games, plus three for South Australia.

Warhurst was also a noted tennis player, representing Australia in Davis Cup, and reaching the quarter finals of the Australian Open in 1949.

Author - John Devaney