These days specialist goalscoring half-forward flankers are distant memories, and Roger Woodcock might well be the best memory of them all. “Raking left-footer” could have been invented for Roger, but his goalkicking accuracy was all his own work.

In 13 seasons with Norwood Roger kicked 602 goals at more than two goals a game, a remarkable average for a non-full forward. He and West Torrens legend Lindsay Head are the only non goalsneaks to kick more than 500 goals in the SANFL, and Roger is the only forward of his kind in the League’s all time top dozen goalkickers.

After starting with Norwood when its stocks were low, he went on to play in a golden era for both his club and the SANFL. In 1975 Roger played in Norwood’s first premiership side for 25 years, a source of great satisfaction for the passionate Woodcock family, including brothers Don and Brian, who also wore the red and blue. When Roger gained possession on the western flank at the Parade and turned inward on to his left foot, supporters in the stand usually marked down another goal for Norwood’s No 10. Very rarely were they wrong.

Games: 267
Goals: 602
Leading goalkicker: 1971, 1974, 1978, 1980
Premierships: 1975, 1978
Further honours: Norwood Player Life Member, NFL Champions of Australia Night Competition 1977.

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