Boyd – “The fans should be excited”

NORWOOD forward/ruck Harry Boyd said Norwood fans should be excited for the future after what was an enjoyable first season at The Parade.

Arriving from Shepparton at the end of 2020, Boyd made 20 senior appearances in his first season at Norwood including both finals against Woodville West-Torrens and South Adelaide.

“I really enjoyed my first season here at Norwood,” Boyd said.

“Playing in the first game was unbelievable and then to continue to get better throughout the whole year from an individual point of view was fantastic.

“Obviously despite not getting the result, we would have liked from the finals, to be able to play a couple of games at Adelaide Oval was a real thrill.”

Standing at 196cm, Boyd spent time up forward to partner young star Jackson Callow before he shouldered most of the ruck load after primary ruck Michael Knoll went down with injury.

When asked about which position he prefers Boyd said he didn’t really have a favourite as long as he was playing well for the team.

“Starting in the forward line I really enjoyed spending time next to Jackson Callow and playing alongside him,” Boyd said.

“Then progressing into the ruck and developing my craft as ruckman with Michael Knoll going down presented me an opportunity which I was really excited to take.

“One thing I did enjoy being in the ruck was the fact that you’re always involved and you get an opportunity to be really competitive which I love.”

“To be honest I don’t have a favourite playing either forward or in the ruck, as long as I am playing well and trying to help the team the best I can.”

After making the finals since 2019, Boyd believes Norwood fans should have a sense of optimism moving forward following the unveiling of several talented youngsters as well as the organic growth of players around the age of 22 to 28.

“Overall, I think the fans should be excited,” said Boyd.

“I know we’ve had a high turnover of players retire this year, but there is still a real core of players aged from 18/19 right through till 26.

“I think our playing group is really exciting and we will continue to see natural growth hopefully paired with some new recruits to give us what we need moving forward.”