Five to depart Norwood

The Norwood Football Club have bid farewell to players Zac Richards, Henry Crauford, Peter Bampton, Michael Knoll, and Emmanuel Irra following the end of the club’s 2021 season.

A Norwood junior, Richards made his debut against Glenelg in 2015 and went on to represent Norwood 66 times over the past seven years.

Playing both off half-back and on a wing, the 24-year-old kicked eight goals with 2019 his best season playing 19 games averaging 17.1 disposals.

Peter Bampton joined Norwood in 2013 accumulating 94 games and kicking 79 goals.

Bampton spent time playing in the midfield and in particular various tagging roles on some of the SANFL’s best midfielders as well as up forward where he won the clubs leading goalkicker in 2019.

A fierce competitor, Bampton loved the contest and prided himself on his tackle pressure which saw him become a fan favourite at The Parade.

Ruckman Henry Crauford arrived at Norwood at the end of 2018 and featured for the Redlegs Reserves team playing 24 games and kicking 17 goals.

Crauford won a Reserves Premiership in 2019 was also awarded the Reserves 2019 Best and Fairest.

Ruckman Michael Knoll has officially retired from SANFL football after ongoing knee injuries forced him out for long parts of the season.

Arriving from the Sydney Swans in 2020, Knoll took over the number one ruck role from Sam Baulderstone and went on to play 15 games kicking three goals. Knoll was influential at his best with his ability to get around the ground and give first use to Norwood’s on-ball brigade.

Dashing defender Emmanuel Irra will also depart The Parade after weighing up his future on a personal level.

Arriving from South Adelaide at the end of 2019, Irra played 13 league games in his first year at Norwood, however, spent the majority of the 2021 campaign in the Reserves.

Irra’s ability to break lines and use his penetrating right foot to create play off half-back.

Football Services Manager Rob Harding thanked each player for their commitment to Norwood over the years and wished them nothing but success for the future.

“Zac Richards has been a highly regarded and popular member of our playing group,” said Harding.

“A very versatile player, Zac played a number of positions for us in 2021 at League level and we really value his contribution to the football club over the past seven years.

“Henry Crauford arrived back at The Parade at the end of 2020 with an injury suffered whilst playing at Essendon.

“No doubt the toll of his rehabilitation has presented a lot of challenges for Henry over the past 12 months, however, we wish him well as he gets back to enjoying a love of football again.

“Peter Bampton’s 94 games of League football showed his fierce competitiveness and throughout this year in the Reserves has shown fantastic leadership for our young players.

“Bamps is a proud Norwood person and a highly valued member of our Norwood family.

“Michael Knoll and his wife Tiffany have been a fantastic addition to our football club over the past 12 months.

“On the field, Michael’s performance resulted in him being part of the 2021 SANFL State Team in 2021, which was a great reward.

“We wish him and Tiffany all the best going forward and hope Michael will still remain involved in our football club.

“Emmanuel has been a highly popular member of our playing group since arriving at the end of 2019.

“His bubbly personality has always drawn teammates to him and made him a positive part of our environment.

“While this year was challenging for Emmanuel on the field his attitude was first class throughout the season, and we wish him all the best for the future.”