Knoll Norwood Bound

By Joseph Marciano

NORWOOD has bolstered their ruck stocks with the signing of former Sydney Swan Michael Knoll for the 2021 SANFL Season.

Knoll measures at 205 centimetres and 103 kilograms, and although he primarily plays in the ruck, he can also do damage as a rotating key forward.

After seven games with South Adelaide in 2019, the 27-year old joined the Swans in the 2019 NAB Mid-Season Rookie Draft to bolster their ruck stocks, but injuries contributed to him not playing an AFL match.

Knoll looms as a direct replacement for the outgoing Sam Baulderstone who retired at the end of the 2020 SANFL Season.

The dynamic ruckman starred in a representative game against the WAFL in 2019, where he won the Fos Williams Medal as the SANFL’s best player.

Football Operations Manager Mark Ross said we were excited to welcome Knoll to Norwood.

“As a football club we are delighted to have a high quality player and person like Michael join our football club,” said Ross.

“Ever since he got an opportunity at Sydney Michael has developed really well under the watchful eye of former West Coast Eagle champion Dean Cox, and we look forward to that development continuing at Norwood.

“Not only can Michael play in the ruck, but he also provides us with another genuine target up forward.

“We look forward to Michael showcasing his skills at the Parade and welcome him and his lovely wife Tiffany to the Norwood Football Club.”

Knoll said he was pleased to be back in what he regards the best State league in Australia and is looking forward to meeting his new teammates and new Coach Jade Rawlings.

“I obviously loved my time playing in the SANFL as I regard it as the best next League outside the AFL,” said Knoll.

“Norwood has a great reputation in the League as being very well run, professional and with a really strong culture, which is something I want to be a part of.

“With the club needing a ruckman I saw an opportunity and I am really happy to be part of the football club and its future.

“I look forward to playing alongside the likes of Mitch Grigg, Anthony Wilson and Emmanuel Irra and developing my craft even further under the guidance of new coach Jade Rawlings.

“Overall, the community of Norwood is the ideal location for me and my wife to come to and I look forward to meeting everyone when pre-season begins.”