Syd Ackland, Norwood's full back during a halcyon era for the club in the 1920s, was reliability and assurance personified. His 133 game senior career between 1922 and 1931 saw him help the Redlegs to three premierships, and between 1922 and 1926 in particular he marshalled what was, statistically, by some measure the tightest and meanest backline in the league. Ackland played for South Australia on 7 occasions, including games at the 1927 Melbourne carnival, when he took over from the recently retired Frank Golding as the state's regular full back. His selection as full back in Norwood's official 'Team of the Century' was neither unexpected nor unwarranted.

As a coach, Ackland cut his teeth with Prince Alfred College in 1934 and 1935, and in 1936 was appointed senior coach of Norwood, steering the side to 5th and 3rd place finishes in his two seasons at the helm.


*Courtesy of John Devaney at www.fullpointsfooty.net

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