Australian Football

Equally at home on the ball, across centre or on a half forward flank Norm Glenister enjoyed a fine 124 game VFL career with Geelong which was interrupted by a four season stint with Coburg in the VFA. After playing just a couple of games in his debut league season of 1934 developed into a key member of the team which would go on to claim the 1937 flag. Unfortunately for Glenister, after being one of the Cats' best in the second semi final victory over Melbourne he missed the grand final triumph over Collingwood with injury. It would undoubtedly remain the greatest disappointment of his football career. On a more positive note, he was selected to represent Victoria in 1939 and contributed 5 goals to a defeat of South Australia. Kicking goals was something that seemed second nature to Glenister who amassed 262 at an average of 2.11 per game over the course of his career with Geelong. Included in this was a club list topping tally of 36 in 1939. He also booted 50 goals in 1938.

In 1941 Norm Glenister accepted a lucrative offer to cross to Coburg in the VFA which he did without a clearance, meaning that he was banned by the VFL. When the ban was rescinded in 1945 he resumed with Geelong for a final couple of seasons.

Author - John Devaney