Syd Ackland

(1922-1931, 1935-1937, 1945-1963)    

Long-kicking king of the kids    

Syd Ackland made several outstanding contributions to Norwood.  As a safe, long-kicking full back he was a key player in the premiership winning Wat Scott - Alick Lill teams of the 1920s. 

That’s rich company in anyone’s language, and Syd’s football perfectionism guaranteed him a secure place in it.     Syd answered his club’s call for a coach in the 1930s, was a regular committeeman, and straight after World War II was a successful chairman of selectors.  It was in this latter period that his individual attributes also came to the fore.  Syd began schools coaching and promotion in 1945, and his role became official in 1953.    

Right up until 1963 Syd was the face of junior football in Norwood’s zone.  He coached the kids in the eastern suburbs, screened films for them and produced a book, Hints on our National Game.  

He organized visits to league training and watched school games.  With coach Alan Killigrew, Syd worked tirelessly to stimulate interest in all things Norwood.  

He kicked only one goal for Norwood, but either as a player or official he was involved in seven premierships.  Add up all of this and you have many jobs done by Syd for his club to the very best of his ability.    

Games: 134  
Premierships: 1923, 1925, 1929  
Coach: 1935-1937  
Further honours:  Norwood Players Life Member
                             Norwood Team of the Century
                             SA games 7  

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