Harding joins the Redlegs

NORWOOD has appointed Rob Harding as its new Football Services Manager.  

Harding joins the Redlegs after working in the AFL for the last 13 years, most recently at the Essendon Football Club.

Alongside Jade Rawlings, Harding will also play a key role as Senior Assistant Coach and Reserves Coach in 2021.

In 2020 Harding was appointed midfield Coach of the Under 18 Vic Metro Team, before Covid shutdown football in Victoria.

After working for the Crows for five years, Harding said he understands the place Norwood has in the community and is looking forward to working alongside both CEO James Fantasia and Head Coach Jade Rawlings.

“Having lived in Adelaide for five years when I worked for the Crows, I understand the place Norwood has inside the South Australian Football Community,” said Harding.

“The club’s history and passion of the supporters really appealed to me, as well as the opportunity to work with James Fantasia and Jade Rawlings.

“I also wanted to be part of an elite program at this level to help bring back some success to the Norwood Football Club.”

Harding says Norwood will look to implement a game style which stands up in finals and is based on contested ball and team defence.

“It’s really important we a play brand of football that holds up in finals,” Harding said.

“This is something Jade and I are completely aligned about, we both believe in having a strong contested and defensive base, and then playing some exciting offensive footy on the back of that.”

Harding went onto the mention that the role itself really appealed to him and will allow him to use several skill sets gained throughout the 13 years at AFL level.

“It’s a varied role which really appeals to me,” said Harding.

“It allows me to use a number of skills which I think can be beneficial to the football club.

“I’ll coach the Reserves and be a Senior Assistant to Jade in the League team and at the same time, I will be Football Services Manager, meaning I will be across the Football Operations and work closely with Rick Shrowder who will look after Talent Pathway and our SANFLW operations.

“Overall, I’m thrilled to be at Norwood and look forward to the season ahead.”

Exclusive to norwoodfc.com.au