BIO

Ronald Blanchard won the 1932 medal for the best all-round footballer in the East Torrens Association playing for East Torrens, before being selected to play for the Norwood reserves later in that same season. He impressed when called upon to fill a vacancy in the centre and was named in the side that lost to North Adelaide in the reserves Grand Final.

In 1933 he made his league debut against Glenelg, in round 8. He was selected as 19th man and Norwood won the match : 17.8 to 13.14.

He had deserved his chance in the seniors, having impressed as a half-forward in the pre season-trials, and as a centreman for the reserves. 

On the 5th August, Blanchard was named on a half-forward flank in Norwood's match against the Northern Areas Association played at Gladstone. Norwood won.

He then played in the league Grand Final loss to West Torrens - he was named at half-back. Blanchard played 11 league games in his first year.

In 1934 he played a further nine league games, and then consolidated his spot in the team in 1935 and 1936, with 17 and 16 league appearances respectively.

He received the services rendered award in 1935, and reached his 50 game milestone in 1936.

Blanchard played three senior games in 1937

R Cialini January 2021