Jump to content

Featured Replies

Posted

Over the years, and particularly before the VFL turned national, there was always a close connection between Melbourne and the Norwood Redlegs in the SANFL. They have similar colours and historically, the clubs played many practice and exhibition matches against each other going back to the 19th century and more recently, in the early 1970s. The Demons recruited Tassie Medalist Graham Molloy from Norwood in 1970 as a potential Barassi replacement but injuries prevented him from showing his best in a 76 game career with the Demons.

The ABC used to televise the SANFL grand finals and for success starved Melbourne fans, we used to get a kick out of supporting the Redlegs to premiership victory. Their team is playing North Adelaide in the SANFL this afternoon and I wish them success and hope they also come out in their numbers in red and blue to support our boys tonight.

 

I remember watching one of those Norwood premierships and cheering them on to the flag against Port Adelaide. I think it was about 1984. They had a couple of champion Magery Medalists in Michael Aish (uncle of Fremantle’s James) and Garry McIntosh who several clubs tried to lure to Victoria without success. Watching their victory celebrations was a shallow substitute for the feeling of winning a flag that’s eluded us to this very day. Norwood people hated Port Adelaide and I hope they come out in their numbers today.

 

Back when it was a final 5, they were the first team to win the premiership from 5th spot.

The Redlegs are the reason I support the Demons. The 1984 SANFL grand final vs Port Adelaide as mentioned above is possibly my earliest memory, with the 97' victory and 99' loss against the same foes close to my happiest and worst days as a football supporter (and as a human in general).

Possibly the coaching connection between the clubs is the strongest, with Neil Balme, Neil Craig, and Peter Rohde all coaching Norwood to some success in recent times (would still love to add Nathan Bassett to that list), and Jade Rawlings currently in the role. 

As for current and recent players, the infamous pair of Dean Terlich and Alex 'Uber' Georgiou are recent players for both clubs, as well as Michael Newton and Jace Bode, while Dom Barry is still running around for Norwood, alongside Jack's cousin Harry Viney. Harrison Petty flies the flag in the other direction. 

For some reason I have lost my hatred for Port in it's Power guise, but that may well be rekindled this year. Norwood were the first to push for an AFL licence, and I still have no idea who I would support if that had eventuated. Probably both teams. 


Neil Balme has been appointed as Head of Football at the Adelaide Crows, which is a very good get for them.

One of my all time favourites Ross Dillon left in his prime & went to Norwood.

Part of the reason for our decline was that in the late 60's & 70's lots of promising players left for greener pastures.

Stephen Kerley also left Melbourne for Norwood & Greg Parke also had a stint there.

 

 

My great grandfather Jack Morgans was an MCC member, and secretary of the MCC bowling club. When the old member's stand was still in place,  I went through the history archives once and found info about him.

He also played footy and cricket at Norwood, winning the cricket batting average trophy for 1895/1896. I was brought up with one eye on Norwood and how they hated Port Adelaide as much as we hate the Filth. 

The Norwood / Melbourne connection is very strong going back many generations, but it doesn't feel as strong as it used to be. 


1 hour ago, whatwhat say what said:

support norwood cos of the dees; loved going to norwood oval in the 1990s

garry mcintosh is the greatest footballer from the 'modern era' to never play in the afl

Micheal Aish says hi

I hope Norwood Supporters turn up in Numbers tonight. 
 

I hope Pert got onto Jade Rawlings!

9 minutes ago, binman said:

Micheal Aish says hi

hm, borderline 'modern' era - i'd say the kick off of that is really 87 (introduction of wa and qld franchises) or 90 / 91 (name change to 'afl', sa franchise into the competition)

i'd take macca, but that's probably only cos i saw him more

Edited by whatwhat say what

We got Austin Wonneamarri and James Sellar from Norwood, too, I think.

Remember Ozzie in that great comeback from 55 points down at the MCG v Freo!


3 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

hm, borderline 'modern' era - i'd say the kick off of that is really 87 (introduction of wa and qld franchises) or 90 / 91 (name change to 'afl', sa franchise into the competition)

i'd take macca, but that's probably only cos i saw him more

Fair points.

Loved him, moved a bit like Robbie, and like many dees fans was desperate for him to come to the dees. From memory he was close to doing so at one point.

1 minute ago, Jumping Jack Clennett said:

We got Austin Wonneamarri and James Sellar from Norwood, too, I think.

Remember Ozzie in that great comeback from 55 points down at the MCG v Freo!

No, Sellar was from Glenelg. He was as useful there as he was for us 

Add me to the list of modern day Demons fanatics that originate from the Norwood connection.  My grandma use to follow them when she lived in Adelaide and then latter followed Melbourne when she moved to Vic/Melbourne because the colours were the same as Norwood.  Probably helped that Melbourne had a bit of sucess around the time as well.  Three generations of somewhat tortured and downtrodden, but also loyal, diehard Demons supporters have been spawned from that connection since.

Edited by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

1 hour ago, Bigdeeal said:

No, Sellar was from Glenelg. He was as useful there as he was for us 

That’s right…… I got him mixed up with Meese, who I think we got from Norwood


Also a redlegs fan who then followed the dees.  My 7 years living in Melbourne watching them every week made me more and more passionate about them.

Out and about today at the kids sport, receiving quite a lot of well wishes wearing the colours.  I think there is quite a few people from other teams wishing us well.

 

Juice Newton played in Norwoods premiership a few years ago🤩

  • Author

Full time in the Norwood game and they’ve cemented their place in the finals with a 12 point win over third placed North Adelaide. 

So hopefully, the fans keep their red and blue scarves on and make the short trip from Coopers Stadium to the Adelaide Oval for tonight’s game to make it two wins  in the one day for the Redlegs!

 
On 8/29/2021 at 3:51 AM, einstein251 said:

Does anyone know if there were in fact many Norwood fans among those who wore the red n blue in the crowd last night?

Norwood provided their banners and floggers on Saturday night and there was a definite presence of Redlegs fans at the ground. Thanks Norwood and good luck in the finals!!!

C2095B2D-196C-442A-9E92-DB4018D4E5F5.jpeg


Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: Carlton

    Good evening, Demon fans and welcome back to the Demonland Podcast ... it’s time to discuss this week’s game against the Blues. Will the Demons celebrate Clayton Oliver’s 200th game with a victory? We have a number of callers waiting on line … Leopold Bloom: Carlton and Melbourne are both out of finals contention with six wins and eleven losses, and are undoubtedly the two most underwhelming and disappointing teams of 2025. Both had high expectations at the start of participating and advancing deep into the finals, but instead, they have consistently underperformed and disappointed themselves and their supporters throughout the year. However, I am inclined to give the Demons the benefit of the doubt, as they have made some progress in addressing their issues after a disastrous start. In contrast, the Blues are struggling across the board and do not appear to be making any notable improvements. They are regressing, and a significant loss is looming on Saturday night. Max Gawn in the ruck will be huge and the Demon midfield have a point to prove after lowering their colours in so many close calls.

    • 0 replies
  • REPORT: North Melbourne

    I suppose that I should apologise for the title of this piece, but the temptation to go with it was far too great. The memory of how North Melbourne tore Melbourne apart at the seams earlier in the season and the way in which it set the scene for the club’s demise so early in the piece has been weighing heavily upon all of us. This game was a must-win from the club’s perspective, and the team’s response was overwhelming. The 36 point win over Alastair Clarkson’s Kangaroos at the MCG on Sunday was indeed — roovenge of the highest order!

    • 4 replies
  • CASEY: Werribee

    The Casey Demons remain in contention for a VFL finals berth following a comprehensive 76-point victory over the Werribee Tigers at Whitten Oval last night. The caveat to the performance is that the once mighty Tigers have been raided of many key players and are now a shadow of the premiership-winning team from last season. The team suffered a blow before the game when veteran Tom McDonald was withdrawn for senior duty to cover for Steven May who is ill.  However, after conceding the first goal of the game, Casey was dominant from ten minutes in until the very end and despite some early errors and inaccuracy, they managed to warm to the task of dismantling the Tigers with precision, particularly after half time when the nominally home side provided them with minimal resistance.

    • 0 replies
  • PREGAME: Carlton

    The Demons return to the MCG as the the visiting team on Saturday night to take on the Blues who are under siege after 4 straight losses. Who comes in and who goes out?

      • Clap
      • Haha
      • Love
      • Like
    • 221 replies
  • PODCAST: North Melbourne

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 14th July @ 8:00pm. Join Binman & I as we dissect the Dees glorious win over the Kangaroos at the MCG.
    Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show.
    Listen LIVE: https://demonland.com/

    • 29 replies
  • POSTGAME: North Melbourne

    The Demons are finally back at the MCG and finally back on the winners list as they continually chipped away at a spirited Kangaroos side eventually breaking their backs and opening the floodgates to run out winners by 6 goals.

      • Haha
      • Like
    • 253 replies