Norwood sign basketball duo

The Norwood Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of former Basketball duo Sam Johns and Brad Ficken for the 2020 SANFL Statewide Super League Season.

Johns, 25 and 193cm, was a former development player for the Adelaide 36rs from 2015-2019.

In the off-season, Johns played basketball for the Southern Tigers, and led the club to Championships in 2016 and 2018.

This was until a close friend from basketball, Stephen Kellis, suggested Norwood Coach Jarrod Cotton take a look at him.

Cotton liked what he saw in the versatile utility, who can play as either a key forward or defender as well as in the ruck.

Johns’ said so far, he’s loved his time at the Parade getting to know to all the players, coaches, staff and volunteers.

“Everyone has been really welcoming to me,” said Johns.

“Norwood is a great club, highly respected and one of the main reasons I decided to join Norwood.

“I can’t say a bad word about anyone at the club, everyone has been really supportive, friendly and I don’t feel out of place at all.

“From the coaching staff, players and volunteers everyone is lovely and has made the transition so far really smooth.”

Johns is also joined by Southern Tigers teammate Brad Ficken, who has also decided to switch codes in 2020.

Ficken, 22 and 187cm spent four years in the United States playing at several different colleges.

Ficken left Australia in August 2015 and went to Miami Dade College in Miami Florida. He then left a year after and transferred to Lamar State in Port Arthur Texas, before spending his final two years at Randall University in Oklahoma City.

Like Johns, Ficken played football as a junior growing up and finished his last year of football at Willunga in 2014.

Since joining the Redlegs, Ficken said he’s enjoyed every minute so far, mentioning the impact that Senior Coach Jarrod Cotton has had on him since first arriving at the Parade.

“I’m absolutely loving every minute of it so far,” said Ficken.

“After meeting with Cottsy (Jarrod Cotton) for the first time a couple of months ago, I realized that the Norwood Football Club is a fantastic place to be at and such a good environment for any player wanting to play football.

“The club as a whole has been really welcoming towards me and I can’t wait to get stuck into the season ahead.”