Australian Football

Woodville’s Stephen Nichols was the SANFL’s top goal kicker in 1986 and 1988, both times with 103 goals to his name. Originally from Sandy Bay, he was recruited by Geelong but struggled to break into the senior team. He managed just seven games and six goals in 1982-3 whilst also appearing in the Cats’ 1982 reserve grade premiership team. 

Three years after leaving the Cattery Nichols bobbed up at Woodville where he quickly proved himself a decided acquisition. In addition to topping the SANFL’s goal kicking list in 1986 and 1988 he finished second to North Adelaide’s John Roberts in 1987, when he kicked a career high tally of 108 goals. 

Nichols played for his home state of Tasmania at the 1988 Bicentennial carnival in Adelaide and acquitted himself well, including bagging 6 goals in a loss to the Northern Territory. All told he played 79 SANFL games for Woodville between 1986 and 1988 kicking 334 goals.

Author - John Devaney