Nik Rokahr takes out 2023 Michael Taylor Medal

Nik Rokahr was crowned the Norwood Club Champion for 2023 on Friday night, taking home the Michael Taylor Medal for the second time.

Rokahr polled in 17 of the 18 matches in 2023 to tally 76 votes, 13 ahead of Runner Up Harry Boyd. Tom Donnelly rounded out the top three with 57 votes.

Rokahr won the Michael Taylor Medal in 2021 and finished Runner Up to Boyd in last year’s count.

In his fourth season with Norwood since relocating from Shepparton in Victoria, Rokahr played all 18 matches in 2023, averaging 27 disposals, six tackles and five clearances.

Last Monday Rokahr finished Runner Up to Harry Grant in the League’s Magarey Medal, and was also named in the 2023 Team of the Year.

Jacob Kennerley (47 votes), Jack Heard (42), Matt Panos (41), Matthew Nunn (40), Pierce Seymour (40), Baynen Lowe (39) and Matthew Ling (31) rounded out the top 10.

Last year’s Michael Taylor Medallist and Jack Oatey Medallist Harry Boyd had another fantastic season with the Redlegs, polling Club Champion votes in all 18 matches this year.

The 198cm ruckman was among the top players in the League for hitouts and clearances, averaging 36.5 hitouts and seven clearances.

He also represented South Australia in the 2023 State Game against Western Australia.

Along with his Runner Up Award on Friday, Boyd also claimed the Woods Medal (which takes into account a player’s contribution to the overall playing squad – someone that performs consistently and drives standards on and off the field), and the People’s Choice Award.

Donnelly was awarded the Fortis Trademark Player Award, while Declan Hamilton was recognised as the Garry McIntosh Best Team Man and Alex van Wyk the McCallum Trophy (Rising Star).

The Fortis Trademark Player Award is recognised as the player that best displays the Club Motto “Fortis in Procella – Strength in Adversity”.

Connor McLean was Norwood’s Leading Goal Kicker with 24 goals from his 17 League matches.

NFC Club Champion Photo Gallery

Reserves Awards

In addition to his McCallum Trophy for the Club’s Rising Star Alex van Wyk claimed the Reserves Best and Fairest Award on Friday night.

The 19-year-old, 202cm ruckman played 13 Reserves Games, averaging 26 hitouts and four clearances. He also represented South Australia in the National U18 Championship as an over-ager.

After a slow start to 2023, van Wyk had a huge final eight rounds of the 2023 season, averaging 30 hitouts per game.

van Wyk won the Reserves Best and Fairest with 42 votes, two ahead of Runner Up Izaak Twelftree.

A 193cm key forward, 22-year-old Twelftree kicked 14 goals from his 13 Reserves matches and also managed two League Games in Rounds 13 and 14 (kicking two goals).

Finn Heard was awarded the Reserves Fortis Trademark Player Award, also kicking 14 goals from 13 Reserves games.

Norwood Football Club Life Membership

Two former players were elevated to Norwood Football Club Life Membership on Friday night, Brady Dawe and Alexander Henry (Pat) Hall.

BRADY DAWE

Guernsey Number: 30
Career: 2009 to 2019
NFC Games: 208
NFC Goals: 135
Debut: v Sturt (Unley) 4th April 2009
Finale: v Adelaide (Adelaide) 8th September 2019

Premierships: 2012, 2013, 2014

Brady Dawe is regarded as one of the clubs “favourite sons”, he commenced his career in 2009 and represented the Norwood Football Club until the end of 2019 season, finishing with 208 matches.

Originally brought into the side as a ruckman it soon became apparent that he had a great flare playing as a tall forward. He was incredibly resilient while playing and rarely missed a game in 10 seasons.

Brady went on to win the Clubs Woods Medal in 2015 and received the Garry McIntosh Medal in 2019, but most notedly is a three-time Premiership player with the Redlegs in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Brady was in attendance on Friday night to receive his Life Membership.

PAT HALL

Guernsey Number: 24, 12
Career: 1948 to 1952; 1956 to 1957
NFC Games: 98
NFC Goals: 72

Premierships: 1948

South Australian Games: 5

Pat Hall joined the Norwood Football Club in 1947 playing in the colts. In 1948 he was playing for the Reserves but by mid-year had made his League debut.

Under Jack Oatey, Hall went on to be one of the league’s finest ruckmen/half forwards with a strong mark and reliable kick, he was a member of the 1948 League Premiership team.

At the age of 23, he was playing coach in 1953-1954, vice-captain in 1955 and went on to play 47 games for Glenelg. In 1956 he returned to Norwood.

Pat had a great interest in the game and went on to have a strong influence off the field. This included successful stints as Colts Coach, pioneer for the Past Players and Officials of the NFC and later became a football commentator on Channel 7 and radio commentator.

The Hall family is synonymous with the Norwood Football Club with four generations pulling on the guernsey.

He is the grandfather of former Norwood player Joel Patfull, who also played with the Brisbane Lions from 2006 to 2014 before transferring to Greater Western Sydney. Pat Hall’s son John played for Norwood from 1980 to 1991 including the 1984 premiership and his father Alexander played for Norwood from 1928 to 1932.

His life and career in Australian rules football is truly remarkable, and it’s clear that he made a significant impact on the sport and the Norwood Football Club.

The recognition of Pat Hall’s lifetime achievements with SANFL player life membership is a well-deserved honour. His dedication to football and his enduring impact on the sport will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Joel Patfull was present on the night to receive the Life Membership on behalf of his Grand Father Pat, who couldn’t make the event.

Club Awards

Norwood Football Club’s much loved photographer John Emery was recognised as the 2023 Club Volunteer of the Year.

It was a timely award for John, who is retiring as club photographer after many years in the role, capturing more than 100,000 photographs that now live on the club website’s photo gallery.

Our club thanks John Emery for his incredible service… game day won’t be the same without John sitting on the sidelines rain, hail or shine with camera in hand.

Enjoy retirement John, and enjoy coming to the footy without having to watch the game through a tiny camera lens!

Within the Football program, Ella Vanehouse and Nick Cubitt were named joint winners of the Trainer of the Year Award (voted by the players), while Paul Gillett was recognised as the Football Volunteer of the Year.

Also celebrated on the night were retiring players, Matthew Nunn and Mitch Wilkins.

NFC SANFL Wheelchair Football Awards

Norwood’s SANFL Wheelchair Football Team on Friday night announced its award winners for season 2023.

In his first season with the club, after crossing over from Woodville-West Torrens Darren Schutz claimed the Best and Fairest Award, ahead of playing coach David Gould.

Michael Neroni won the Fortis Trademark Player Award.