Australian Football

Lester Ross junior joined Norwood from Athelstone and made his league debut, wearing the same number ten 10 Redlegs jumper as worn by his identically named father, in 1983. Initially deployed as a rover he found his true niche when shifted to the back pocket, the position in which he lined up for the triumphant grand final clash with Port Adelaide in 1984. Ross produced a near faultless display to be listed high among his team’s best players.

Over subsequent seasons he failed to hold down a permanent spot in the seniors which may have precipitated his departure, after 161 SANFL games and 27 goals in a Redlegs jumper, to take up a captain-coaching role with Padthaway of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League in 1993. In his first season at the helm he oversaw an undefeated flag win and was best afield in the grand final.

Lester Ross later spent the period from 2002 to 2004 coaching his original club Athelstone.

Author - John Devaney