Australian Football

After joining Norwood from Lameroo North Rodney Maynard made his senior league debut in 1984. However, during his first three seasons he played mainly reserves football, including the victorious grand finals at that level in 1985 and 1986.

The 1987 season saw him cementing his place in the seniors and going from strength to strength. He won the most improved player award in 1987, and was runner-up in the best and fairest as well as top goal kicker the following year, with his versatility, strength and aerial prowess all coming increasingly to the fore. In 1989 he enjoyed an even better year, alternating between centre half forward and centre half back, and winning the prestigious Redlegs best and fairest award.

Following another good season in 1990 Maynard was drafted by newly formed AFL club the Adelaide Crows for whom he was a serviceable performer in 81 games, registering 24 goals, between 1991 and 1995. For most of his AFL career he was used as a defender. The 1995 season also saw the curtain coming down on Maynard’s SANFL career after 157 games and 159 goals in the famous navy blue and red.

Still aged just 19 Rodney Maynard still had plenty of good football left in him as he proved by continuing his career with his home town club, Lameroo, with whom he won no fewer than six Mail Medals for the best and fairest player in the Mallee Football League. He was also a six time MFL premiership player.

Maynard’s older brother Brenton also played for Norwood (49 games, 1986-9), and won four Mail Medals while playing for Lameroo.

Author - John Devaney