Australian Football

During the decade or so following world war two centreman Lionel Blackmore combined with wingmen Doug Olds and Sam Gallagher to give Norwood arguably greatest centreline in the club's illustrious history. The trio were at the forefront of the Redlegs' 1946, 1948 and 1950 grand final triumphs, with Blackmore a clearcut choice as best afield in the first of these games and extremely close to best in the last.

A genuinely two-sided player, Blackmore was renowned for his impeccable foot passing, and carried himself with great assurance and panache. He actually commenced his career in the abbreviated wartime competition with the Norwood-North Adelaide combined team for whom he played three games and kicked five goals in 1944. His senior career with Norwood spanned the years 1945 to 1953, and would have lasted longer had he not succumbed to serious injury. He represented South Australia once.

Some years after retiring as a player Lionel Blackmore served as a Norwood selector and eventually as chairman of selectors. He is a member of the Redlegs official Hall of Fame.

Author - John Devaney