Australian Football

Chris Threadgold (sometimes wrongly spelt ‘Thredgold’) is probably best remembered for his misfortune in missing out on Sturt’s long overdue premiership triumph of 2002. The solidly built, ultra reliable defender, once described as “the heart and soul of the Double Blues”, had amassed 223 senior games in a Sturt jumper at that point, having captained the club since 1995 (his eight seasons in charge being equal to Paul Bagshaw's club record), but was controversially omitted from the team which met Central District in the Grand Final. It was a sad end to an otherwise outstanding career.

Originally from Prince Alfred College, Sturt recruited Threadgold from North Adelaide after two seasons at the Roosters which had seen him make only three pre-season appearances. In 1991 he played every match for the Double Blues and, over the remainder of the decade, he went on to establish a reputation as one of the best full backs in the SANFL. 

Author - John Devaney, with additional material from Adam Cardosi