Football Department Off Season Update

6 Weeks on from that memorable Premiership Win, it’s back down to business and the Football Department led by Twig have been busy preparing for season 2023. The players will return from a well-earnt break on November 24^th to begin pre-season training and embrace the opportunity to do it all again.

There have been some player departures and the Norwood Football Club bids farewell to players Jay Rantall, Henry Nelligan, Mac Bower, Matt Vardanega, Mitch Cotter, Tom Wagner and Jai Larkins following the end of the club’s 2022 season. This group are all outstanding young men and have been solid contributors to our football club whilst here and will all be missed.

Jay Rantall has moved back to Melbourne. He gave terrific service in his 12 months with the club, culminating in being a premiership player. Jay was respected for his work ethic and care for his teammates, and passion for the club.

Henry Nelligan has taken the opportunity to travel overseas on a study exchange experience. Henry has had an excellent 2 seasons of senior footy, taking his game to a new level and playing a critical role in the premiership team.

Mac Bower has retired from Norwood after being at the club from under 12’s. A passionate and popular member of the club in his time. We would like to thank Mac for his long service and wish him and his partner Madi all the best in the future.

Matt Vardanega has taken the opportunity to travel in 2023. A terrific club person, who played 7 games in his 2 years at Norwood. We wish Matt safe travels and thank him for his time at Norwood.

Mitch Cotter has decided to step away from Norwood also with intentions to travel overseas in 2023. Cotts played 9 games for the club in his 2 seasons and was popular amongst teammates and will be missed.

Tom Wagner has decided to return to Payneham FC. Wagner was a hard worker in his 3 seasons at the club, playing 13 senior games in his time at the club. We wish Tom all the best for the rest of his career and thank him for his time at Norwood

Jai Larkins has made the move to Central Districts. Larkins played 3 games for the club in his 2 seasons. We also wish Jai all the best in his move to Centrals and thank him for his time at Norwood

Over the coming weeks several new recruits will be announced to fill the gaps left by those that have departed and bringing an exciting mix of youth and experience. The recruitment team are busy meeting with a number of players that have been specifically targeted to fill roles and strengthen our football program.

Also, to be announced are some structural changes to our football department and some exciting coaching appointments as we refine and seek to get stronger for season 2023.

Our Women’s program pre-season kicked off this week and we welcome new coach Brad Snell To the helm as he and his coaching team begin to focus on getting our girls fit and ready to climb back up the ladder in season 2023. The girls are training three times a week at Wilderness School whilst Norwood Oval undergoes the light tower redevelopment.

Every week we will provide an update from the football program and keep members and supporters fully informed as we embark on another exciting season for all football programs.

Finally, we can confirm that memberships for season 2023 will be open from November 9^th and a separate communication will go out advising everyone of this.

That’s it for this week’s update, don’t forget to check out the exciting rage of Premiership merchandise here, or get down to the Redlegs Shop between 11am and 4pm every weekday to grab yourself something from the 2022 Premiership Range, Limited Edition Premiership Range or the King Panos Range, there is something for everyone.