Australian Football

Jim Norman only spent three seasons in league football but enjoyed premiership success in two of them. Nicknamed 'Jake', he joined Geelong from Wimmera League club Horsham and made his senior VFL debut in round eight of the 1950 season against North Melbourne at Arden Street. A hefty ruckman or defender, Norman seemed to reserve his best form for important occasions, such as finals matches.

Norman was not frightened to throw his weight around, but also boasted considerable pace for a big man, and his general skills were good. He was a member of Geelong's first ruck in the 1951 Grand Final win over of Essendon, while a year later he was among the best players afield as the Cats went back to back by defeating Collingwood in what proved to be the last of Jim Norman's 37 games of league football.

Author - John Devaney