BIO
Educated at Norwood High School, Nathan Bassett began playing for Norwood at under 12 level. Originally he was not asked to try out for the under 15s but fortunately Norwood's Technical and Development Officer
Glen Rosser saw him star as a centre half forward and asked him to play with Norwood.
Rosser managed to get him transferred from Sturt as Bassett found himself tied to the Double Blues after a redistribution of club boundaries.
Bassett progressed through Norwood's under 17s and under 19s. In 1992 he played 20 games in the under 17s and came third in the best and fairest award.
He represented South Australia in the 1993 under 17 Commonwealth Teal Cup and also played for the Norwood under 19s (6 games) and the reserves (12 games).
In 1994 he made his league debut in Round 12 against Port Adelaide. He was very impressive early in the match and the Redlegs won the encounter against their arch rivals. He played 14 league games in his first year and took out the McCallum trophy for best first year player.
In 1995 he made three league appearances and also played eight games for both the under 19s and the reserves, featuring in premierships for both grades. He also received a meritorious performance award for his efforts in the under 19s.
Bassett had a solid season in 1996, playing 20 league games and receiving another meritorious performance award.
He was rookie drafted by Melbourne in 1997 and elevated to their senior list early in the year. He was hampered by a serious injury however (broken sternum) and was traded back to the Adelaide Crows at the end of the year. In a short period of time he also had to contend with a broken scapula, broken leg, and was diagnosed with diabetes.
Despite the setbacks, the courageous Bassett carved out a marvellous AFL career - 210 games for Adelaide (1998 - 2008).
Predominantly a defender, Bassett played a few games for Norwood when not required by the Crows at AFL level.
His younger brother Scott also played SANFL for the Redlegs and AFL for the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide Power.
After retiring as a player, Nathan Bassett coached Norwood from 2010-2013, leading the club to flags in 2012 and 2013.
He later took on the role of assistant coach with Essendon and later with Port Adelaide Power.
R Cialini April 2023