CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB - HOME OF THE SEAGULLS

THE COACHES - White, Sydney C

Sidney C White

Years Coached: 1925
Premierships: 1925

Sydney C White was born at Kadina on Yorke Peninsula in 1893. Known as Sid, he was educated at Parkside after his parents moved to Adelaide when he was five years old. He was 14 when he first represented the Kenilworth Football Club in the juniors.

White joined Norwood in 1912, mainly due to his friendship with George Beames who had joined the Redlegs in 1911. Having impressed in his one trial, White made his League debut in the opening round of 1912. Initially he played as a wingman or rover. He played 12 games in his first season, and won the award for best junior.

White won the best and fairest awards in 1913 and 1914.

When League football was suspended during World War I, White played for Norwood in the Patriotic Association in 1916 and when Norwood later withdrew from that competition, he rejoined Kenilworth.

League football resumed in 1919 and White was named Norwood's captain. He also won the club's best all-round player award and played interstate football for the first time.

The Redlegs' fortunes started to change and they were runner-up in 1920 and 1921. White was again named best all-round player in 1921 and continued to represent his state.

He played in his first premiership in 1922. Captaining the side, he was outstanding in Norwood's grand final win over West Adelaide.

During this period he was part of an impenetrable half back line alongside Wat Scott and Guy Stephens. The trio also went on to play in the 1923 and 1925 grand final triumphs.

Norwood won three flags during White's years as captain and he also coached the team in 1925.

Durable, as well as consistent, he only missed 13 games throughout his entire career. He played his last game in the 1925 Grand Final.

White was renowned tactician and many astute judges attributed Norwood's success after the war to him.

While he did not take an active part in football after retiring, he acted as an advisor to Kenilworth and other junior clubs. 

White went on to coach Sturt (1929-1937) guiding them to three grand finals and a premiership in 1932.

He was later named on a half back flank in Norwood's Team of the Century.

R Cialini Sept 2015

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