2020 Leaders Confirmed

After the announcement of newly appointed Captain Matthew Panos, the Norwood Football Club will have two new vice-captains in Season 2020.

Premiership ruckman Sam Baulderstone and recruit Richard Douglas will serve as Vice-Captains after Senior Coach Jarrod Cotton appointed the duo on Monday night.

Baulderstone has been Norwood’s premier ruckman for a number of years which has culminated in two premierships for the Redlegs in 2013 and 2014.

The 29-year-old was selected in the Advertiser Team of the Year as the best ruckman in 2014, 16, 17 and 19 and represented South Australia once in 2015.

After another consistent year in 2019, Baulderstone will look to lead Norwood’s younger players including up and coming ruck duo Henry Crauford and Codey Ellison.

Baulderstone will be joined by former Adelaide Crow, Richard Douglas who has been a fantastic leader at AFL level for a long period of time.

Douglas featured in the Adelaide Crows leadership group in 2019 and will look to bring plenty of knowledge and experience to the Norwood playing group in 2020.

A senior figure, Douglas has been a welcome addition to the Norwood team and his highly respected by the coaching staff and his teammates.

Senior Coach Jarrod Cotton said Douglas has been exceptional since arriving at the Parade especially the way he drives the standards both on and off the field.

“On and off the field he adds experience and is a quality player you definitely want in your side,” said Cotton.

“The training standards he sets especially for his teammates are at the highest level and he’s fitted in as well as anyone could to a new environment.

Cotton also mentioned how pleased he was for Sam Baulderstone and the impact he will have on the group in 2020.

“Sam Baulderstone is a fantastic story,” said Cotton.

“He’s been a great player for the club for a long period of time, however, his pre-season and commitment to the club this year has been outstanding.

“Sam’s ability to mix with younger and older players has improved and he’s starting to take ownership of coaching especially with the younger ruckmen coming through.

“Sam and Dougie (Douglas) both fully deserve to be Vice-Captains and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the group in 2020.”