Norwood FC List Update

Keep up to date with our list changes as we head into the 2021 SANFL Statewide Super League Season.

Michael Knoll (Ruckman, Sydney Swans)

A fantastic replacement for the retiring Sam Baulderstone. Knoll is an athletic ruckman who can rest forward and hit the scoreboard. After featuring prominently for the Panthers in 2019, Knoll was drafted to the Sydney Swans. The 28-year-old was awarded the Fos Williams Medal in 2019 after a best on ground performance for South Australia against Western Australia.

Jacob Kennerley (Midfielder, Geelong Cats)

The Norwood junior returns to the Parade after spending two years at Kardinia Park. Kennerley was drafted at pick 50 in the 2018 AFL Draft and although did not register an AFL game was a key contributor for the club’s VFL side. An elite endurance athlete, Kennerley brings pace and flair to the Norwood side which will no doubt excite the Norwood faithful.

Matt Vardanega (Defender, Canberra Demons)

The son of 1984 Premiership hero Glen, Matt arrives at the Parade as an intercepting half back. Vardanega measures at 186cm and will no doubt add plenty of depth to the Norwood back six. Vardanega reads the game well combined with elite aerial capabilities which is something the club is excited to add to its defensive structure. Vardanega tasted Premiership success with the Queanbeyan Tigers in the ACT in 2020.

Mitch Cotter (Midfielder, Frankston)

Mitch Cotter is touted as a contested beast. A like for like type replacement for the retired Will Abbott, Cotter prides himself on his tackling ability and willingness to pressure and hunt the opposition. Cotter played 19 games for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup in 2017, before joining Frankston for the 2018 and 19 seasons. The 21-year old whilst at Frankston also played Senior Football for AFL Outer East Division One side Doveton. Doveton went onto win the 2019 Premiership against Pakenham, with Cotter influential for the Eagles named fourth best.

Paul Puopolo (Forward, Hawthorn)

Pup returns to the Parade after playing 196 games and kicking 186 goals on his way to three Premierships with the Hawthorn Football Club. Puopolo is a dangerous goalsneak who can pop up at any moment and prove a nightmare for defenders. A Norwood junior, the 32-year-old was drafted to the Hawks with pick 66 in 2010. Pup, will no doubt add experience to Redlegs attack and will not only improve the club’s performance on-field but assist in the development of upcoming players coming through the ranks.

Henry Crauford (Ruck, Essendon)

Crauford returns to the Parade after spending the 2020 Season with the Essendon Football Club. The 204cm prospect won Norwood’s SANFL reserves’ best and fairest award in 2019, averaging 16 disposals, five clearances and 27 hitouts on his way to winning a flag at that level. Crauford will no doubt add flexibility and depth to the Norwood ruck department as he looks to cement a spot in the league side in 2021.

Harry Boyd (Defender/Ruck, Shepparton)

The 22-year-old has also shown himself to be a versatile player, albeit in somewhat different roles, his 196cm frame lending itself well to key positions at either end of the ground as well as stints in the ruck.

Jai Larkins (Defender)

Larkins is a running defender will look to take the game from half-back with his run and use his kick to great effect. Larkins is also a thumping kick of the football, which will give Norwood plenty of territory when rebounding from defence.

Sam Baulderstone (Payneham)
Ryan Bastinac (Queensland)
Will Abbott (Old Ignatians)
Tom Pinyon (Mount Compass)
Ben Millman
Corey Grove
Cody Szust
Lewis Johnston
Codey Ellison (Work)
Anthony Wilson (Payneham)
Luke Surman (Port Adelaide)

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