Famous Norwood names added to the Western Stand

The Bert Baulderstone Pavilion and the Joe Tripodi Pavilion signs have been added to the Western Stand at Coopers Stadium.

The original Bert Baulderstone Stand in the south-western pocket was demolished in 2018 to make way for the Wolf Blass Community Centre, but the pavilion has been recognised once again on centre wing.

Bert Baulderstone was the President of the Norwood Football Club from 1963 to 1972, also serving as Chairman in the same era.

During his term as President, Baulderstone was instrumental in improving the club in a number of key areas.

Baulderstone often joined league coaches Haydn Bunton and Robert Oatey in their search for country recruits, regularly providing accommodation for the prospective league players in his renovated home at Unley Park.

He had the vision to purchase and develop Carmel Court at Kensington, into a players’ residence for country and interstate footballers, giving Norwood an edge in recruiting. At different times, Carmel Court was home for many players including Gil Butchart, Phil Carman, Neil Craig, Glen Rosser, Ian Stasinowsky, Michael Taylor and John Wynne.

He conceived and pioneered the Redlegs Club and the Norwood Football Association. He had recognised the need for the establishment of a licensed club complex to financially support the NFC, as well as catering for the social needs  of members and supporters.

Baulderstone was responsible for redeveloping the Norwood Oval clubrooms, thereby improving the players’  training and recreational facilities.

Baulderstone passed away in 1972, and has been recognised as a Life Member and Hall of Famer of the Norwood Football Club.

Joe Tripodi OAM was involved with the Norwood Football Club for over half a century, first as a player then a committee member, board member, sponsor, president, chairman, and patron.

His unwavering commitment and passion for the club since his playing days in the late 1950’s, was extraordinary.

Joe was a regular member of Norwood’s Senior Colts and Reserves squads in 1957 and 1958, when 20-year-old Hadyn Bunton was senior coach, playing roles as a rover, centreman and wingman.

His first official volunteer role at the club began in 1987 when he joined the Norwood Oval Management Committee. Joe’s expertise in civil engineering immediately proved invaluable as the oval precinct required significant upgrading.

During his tenure Norwood Oval was the first suburban oval to install a designated alcohol free ‘dry area’ of bench seating to accommodate 400 patrons and the first to consider the needs of spectators with a disability.

Joe was appointed a board member in 2004 at a difficult time in Norwood’s history. Again he demonstrated his commitment and considerable skills in assisting to address issues such as the sale and demolition of the Redlegs Club, a new management regime voted in by the membership, the lack of on-field success, the inability to find and establish a gaming and social club venue, the relocation of staff to an office on Beulah Road, and the club’s perilous financial position.

In 2006, Joe Tripodi was elected President & Chairman of the Norwood Football Club, a position he would cherish and during his time in the role the club emerge as a force in the SANFL with a grand final appearance in 2010, a preliminary final in 2011, before premierships in 2012 and 2013.

Joe passed away in March of this year, as a Norwood Football Club Hall of Famer, Life Member, and long time sponsor of the club. He was also recognised with a Medal of Honour of Australia (OAM).