“Bill” wasn’t even his real name, although very few people in football knew that. But nearly 40 years on, that is how Bill Wedding is still known throughout football, often with a “Big” in front of it. We’re not about to change that here. Big Bill fits him to a “B”.

He overcame awkwardness to become one of the great ruckmen of Australian football, and remains much loved for the effort he put into getting there. Early on, Bill was the B grade Magarey Medallist, and looking as though that would be the pinnacle of his career. Less than three years later he was Norwood’s second All Australian, and already the people’s choice.

Big Bill was proof that anybody could do whatever they wanted to, provided they tried as hard as he did. He could ruck all day, so it is no surprise to anyone who saw him play that in his 12 seasons he won the club’s best ruckman award 11 times in a row.

Bill’s willpower made him a guaranteed big game performer, and some of his efforts for SA are enshrined in Croweaters history. Playing in a position where body met body all day, he also was scrupulously fair when many thought he needn’t have been. Bill Wedding is an absolute Norwood hero.

Games: 214 Goals: 100
Club champion: 1961-65
Further honours: Norwood Player Life Member, Norwood Team of the Century, SANFL Hall of Fame, Reserves Magarey Medal 1958, All Australian 1961, SA games 19

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