Old Time Footballers - Norwood and South Champions

[Leaping Lindner]

This is the second part of the article that I posted the other day. Some familiar names here. I wonder what truth there is behind Bunny Daly having introduced running with ball to South Australia.

- Norwood and South Champions –
Possibly one of the most artistic exponents who have been seen locally was Bunny Daly. Daly was accorded the honour of having introduced the art of running with the ball in South Australia. There use to be great dash in his work, and elusiveness often carried him from end to end of the arena. He was as fleet as a hare, and frequently beat two and three antagonists. His brother (Boss) held a big reputation as a goalkicker. Then there was the Woods family – Julian, Ted, Jack and Charlie – each of whom donned the colours with credit. Jack maintains an interest in Norwood to the present day, and has done good work in a secretarial capacity. As an umpire he proved he thoroughly knew the business and could stick to a strict interpretation of the rules. On one occasion on the Adelaide Oval, I remember an excited spectator who did not agree with Wood’s ruling racing onto the arena and giving vent to his feelings, but he was soon summarily dealt with. Ossy Bertram was one of the old school of redlegs; Dean Dawson, now an honoured member of the medical profession, was a wonderful kick, while Phil Newland did a big share to keep the Norwood’s name green. A solid half-back man for Norwood was “Squasher” Barnes, who looks as young today as he ever did, while Lionel Hill who has risen to the rank of Parliamentarian, who was a bullocky follower for both West Adelaide and Norwood. Jim Gosse could always be relied upon in any capacity, and could follow right through without any trouble.
South Adelaide unearthed many good players, prominent among them being Bob Waldrop, Carl Waldrop, Alf Emes, Mort Ive, George Rowley, Neddes Merrigan, Rappiport (a man who never seemed to do well until his stockings hung loose), the Reedmans (Sid and Jack), two of the veterans. It was mainly owing to the skill displayed by “Dinny” as coach that North Adelaide were able to obtain such proficiency. Hermann Kruss was a player of commanding physique, who had the misfortune to meet with an accident which incapacitated him from further displaying his prowess. He was a follower of the first water. J. and A. Dawes and “Shaver” Marlow also did good service for the blue-and-whites, while “Taffy” Waye was a big asset to Sturt.
Of more recent date Port Adelaide received valuable assistance from Nicky Corston, Tompkins, Jack Mack, Teddy Strawns, Welshy Davis, Dempster, Jack Quinn,; then there were the Millers (Darky and Harold), Chamberlain, Gwynne, Lewis, Phil Robins, and Bahr (of Norwood), Tommy and Duky McKenzie, Ernie Johns, N. and H. Pash, Jack Earl (North Adelaide), Jack Tredrea, George Wallace, Hansens (South Adelaide), and Sorry Tierney (West Adelaide).


(2nd Part of “OLD-TIME FOOTBALLERS” from “The Register” 26/2/1916.)