By Josh Ward
2022 looks set to be a big one for Norwood, after their 2021 ended in covid induced heartbreak, with Norsemen still looking to break their now six-year finals drought.
The Norsemen have always been in the finals conversations since their 2014 Grand Final victory, but in 2021 they announced themselves as actual contenders, finishing fourth with a 5-3 record, with wins against Balwyn and South Croydon.
Disappointingly two of their three losses came away in winnable games against Doncaster and Berwick.
Their preseason is in full swing, with senior coach Marty Pask happy with the continuity this offseason following the events of the last few years.
“To get everyone back on board and see everyone again and train and get together has been pleasing,” Pask said.
This offseason they’ve brought in Dylan Atkins, who brings experience from VFL sides Sandringham and Port Melbourne. He was also a part of the AFL Under 18 academy and both the Sandringham Dragons and Dandenong Stingrays NAB League programs.
Pask said that Atkins wanted to join Norwood because it felt like where he belonged.
“He’s had a few different clubs and experiences in footy post his Under 18 days and we really wanted to show him about who we are as a footy club, our culture and what we’re about,” Pask said.
“He hasn’t missed a beat this preseason as well.
We’re really excited to have someone with his height and his running ability that can play multiple positions, which is what we’re after.”
Star defender and 2014 premiership player Lochlan Dickson has also returned full-time to Norwood, bringing across two best and fairest awards from his time with Coburg in the VFL.
Pask said he was glad that Dickson decided to return to Norwood following his stint with the Lions.
“It’s fantastic that he didn’t want to consider anything else but playing with Norwood.
That’s fantastic for us, we get him back to our footy club with a lot of experience,” he said.
Norwood mean business in 2022. Photo – Field of View
The Norsemen have lost one of their leadership group members from last year though, with Pask confirming that Michael Wright had left the club.
“(Wright) Played a lot of footy and did a lot of the tough, hard stuff for us as well. He’ll definitely be missed.”
Their youth was a key factor in Norwood improving last year, with Pask adding that their younger players such as James and Dylan Feltham, Daniel Potts, Jarrod Thomson, and Kieran West will again play a key role and continue to grow in 2022
“Now the goal is for them to understand what senior football is and really make sure that they keep driving their own standards and the team’s going forward,” he said.
They’ll kick off their 2022 campaign at home against Doncaster, with Pask excited about that matchup to start a potentially successful year
“We hope to get all our Norwood faithful there and really enjoy a great experience and a great day (v Doncaster in Round One).
I’m sure we’re going to perform to the best of our ability.”
