Alex Stopp

1.       Stoppy, can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how you came about playing for the Norwood Football Club.

I grew up in Keith in the South East and played junior footy for the Keith Crows in the U/14’s and U/17’s. Keith is a successful club and was a great club to start my footy. I moved to Adelaide to attend Rostrevor College in 2005. In 2006 some mates from school invited me out to Norwood’s U/17 pre-season training. Luckily enough, David Oatey and the club gave me the opportunity to play and signed me across from Glenelg. I’m very grateful for the opportunity the club gave me and I really love playing for the Norwood Football Club.  

2.       Who were your major influences growing up?

Growing up my biggest influences on me were definitely my parents. Living on the farm brought me up with a strong work ethic. Growing up with this way definitely influenced my football, especially the way I go about my training and preparation.  They really encouraged me to have a go and to get the best out of myself. 

3.       Last year you were a chance to get drafted. When this didn’t happen did this have an affect on you mentally and how did you respond?

Not getting drafted last year was a bit disappointing but I knew I had to move on quickly and not let it affect my football. I knew that I gave it a real crack but unfortunately it just didn’t happen for whatever reason. I just wanted to work really hard on the track and concentrate on getting myself a place in the league team, and to also keep improving to become a better player for Norwood.  

4.       You are still quite young.  Are you still aiming to get a spot on an AFL list?

Yeah definitely still trying. Right now I am concentrating on finding consistent form at league level to give myself every opportunity. It’s not something I think about really, I just want to win games playing at Norwood.  

5.       How have you found your first year of senior football for the club?

Honestly, it’s been a bit of a disappointing year. Expectations were high early on in the year that we would be a top 3 side. Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as we all would have liked. Looking forward though, personally I have learnt a lot. It’s been good to be in an environment with some experienced players to learn from, which has made it easier to step up to the next level.  

6.       You play in defence. Which Norwood player has been the most influential in the way you play, and who (if anyone) have you tried to mould your game on at the club?

Jacko (Nick Jackman) has been very influential in the way I’ve tried to play. His ability to beat his direct opponent but also run and create a lot of attacking movements is something I admire. Also Zorz (Brett Zorzi) is a very consistent and team orientated player. They are both really respected players among the group, which is something that I am trying to become.  

7.       What are your personal goals in the short term as well as the coming years? 

Short term goals for me are to cement my spot as a key backman in the line up and to also work hard on my skills. Long term I want to be a part of a team that plays consistently in finals. Just being around the club last year when we played finals was amazing, a real buzz. My ultimate goal is to be a premiership player with the Norwood Football Club!

<< Back