Club News

Norwood Unveil the Aish Family Lawns

6 hours ago – April 10, 2026

From left: Norwood player Jackson Callow, Norwood President Paul Di Iulio, Sydney Swans Captain Callum Mills, Michael Aish, Andrew Aish, James Aish and Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham

The Norwood Football Club unveiled the Aish Family Lawns on the Northern Hill of Coopers Stadium, a sight that will bring back fond memories for older Redlegs fans.

The lawned area was a popular viewing place for matches at The Parade up until the late 1970s, however in more recent years it has been replaced by concrete terraces.

Thanks to a significant donation from Norwood Football Club’s Number One Ticket Holder and life-long Redlegs supporter Andrew Pridham AO, the club have reinstated the lawns.

The project took place over the summer months following the 2025 season, and on April 10, 2026, Mr Pridham AO officially opened the Aish Family Lawns.

Originally from Adelaide and a passionate former member of the Norwood cheer-squad growing up, Andrew now resides in Sydney, where he is the Chairman of the Sydney Swans.

He studied at Rostrevor College and then University of South Australia, before going on to spend more than 30 years in business and investment banking, co-founding MA Financial Group. He also spent 13 years at UBS and six years at JP Morgan where he was Executive Chairman of its Investment Banking business in Australia.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019 for his distinguished service to the investment banking & asset management sector, to sporting groups and to philanthropy.

The Lawns have been named after the Aish family, true Norwood royalty. Five Aishes have represented the Redlegs across seven different decades from the 1950s to 2010s, including Peter Aish, his sons Andrew Aish and Michael Aish, and their sons Jesse Aish and James Aish.

Peter played 162 games for Norwood from 1953 to 1962, captaining the club from 60-62, and playing five State Games, and was inducted into the NFC Hall of Fam in 2013.

Peter’s sons Michael and Andrew played in Premierships at Norwood, with Michael now known as one of Norwood’s greatest ever players. Michael played 307 matches from 1979 to 1993, captaining the club for three seasons, and playing in the 82 and 84 Premierships.

Michael is in Norwood’s Team of the Century, won four Best and Fairests, the 1981 Magarey Medal, 14 State Games, and is in the Norwood, SANFL & Australian Football Hall of Fames. He’s “Legend Status” in the NFC HOF.

Andrew played 89 games for the Redlegs, including the 1982 Premiership, and two Reserves Premierships, before his career ended earlier than hoped due to ongoing injuries.

Michael’s son Jesse played 38 League games for Norwood, and Andrew’s son James played 24 games for Norwood, including the 2012 and 2013 SANFL Premierships, before going on to have a 186-game AFL career with Brisbane, Collingwood and Fremantle.“The Aish family synonymous with the Norwood Football Club. Their contribution to the club on and off the field over many decades has been enormous. As a family they exemplify athletic brilliance and integrity,” Mr Pridham AO said.

“It is fitting that the lawns, located at the Northern end of the Norwood Oval and designed to cater for children and their families, should be associated with the Aish family.

“It has been an honour to be able to assist in a small way the development of these gardens.”

Norwood President Paul Di Iulio thanked Mr Pridham AO for his generous conrtibution.

“The creation of the Aish Family Lawns would not have been possible without the very generous contribution by Andrew Pridham,” he said.

“It’s amazing that although Andrew has gone onto to forge a very successful professional career and is the Chairman of the Sydney Swans, he has never lost his love and passion for the Norwood Football. His willingness to help us is very much appreciated and I couldn’t think of anything better that creating a legacy at the northern end by connecting Andrew Pridham with the Aish family forever!”