VALE William (Bill) Johnson

William Morris (Bill) Johnson – 25/7/1935 – 17/11/2024

The Norwood Football Club is saddened by the passing of William Morris (Bill) Johnson.

Bill played 21 SANFL matches for Norwood in 1956 and 1957, kicking 47 goals.

Also a talented tennis player, Bill was the State tennis captain for over 10 years and at one stage was ranked number 4 in South Australia.

It was through tennis that Bill ended up playing football at Norwood, with a friendship with Bob Fosdike and Ron Reimann who were involved with both the Norwood Football Club and Tranmere Tennis Club.

Bill loved playing in front of the Norwood crowd, and had a knack of kicking multiple goals in matches.

In his first season, he booted four goals against Port Adelaide and then five against North Adelaide early in his League career.

He played just nine League matches in his second season, but booted five goals in a match against West Adelaide.

Bill spent his 1958 season in the Reserves, booting 45 goals from 21 matches, and couldn’t break back into the League side and finished his career with 34 Reserves matches (53 goals) and 21 League games (47 goals).

He finished his football with Old Reds.

Bill passed away on Sunday, November 17 2024 at the age of 89.

Thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends during this time.

RIP William (Bill) Johnson