BIO

Cornelius Thomas "Con" Chamberlain was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland on 20 December, 1881. His family migrated to South Australia where he attended Christian Brother's College in Adelaide.
 
Recruited from the college, Chamberlain made his league debut in the opening round of the 1902 season. Norwood played West Adelaide at Norwood and won the match : 13.9 to 3.3. The following week he was in Norwood's best players in their win over North Adelaide on the Adelaide Oval and was a permanent fixture of the Norwood senior side over the following years.
 
Chamberlain was a solid and reliable defender, who occasionally played on a wing.
 
In July/August 1906 he toured Victoria with the Norwood team. He was named at half-back in the clash against Essendon and was impressive in defence. Chamberlain was selected as a full-back against Ballarat and was in the squad to play Fitzroy. Norwood were undefeated on the tour and Chamberlain completed another fine home and away season.
 
Chamberlain made just the six appearances in Norwood's history making 1907 season, when the club not only won the premiership, but were also crowned Champions of Australia after defeating Carlton.
 
In mid-June he travelled to Sydney with the Norwood party that played three matches against New South Wales on the Sydney Cricket Ground. Selected in all three games, he was impressive in the back-pocket.  

On August 15, he played in Norwood's win against the Hills Association at Mt. Barker.

He played eight league games in 1908, but a  severe knee injury ended his football career.

A talented sportsman, Con played A Grade cricket for East Torrens, captaining the team in 1912-13 and 1913-14. He also represented SA in first-class cricket, and coached the Kensington Cricket Club.

Con's brothers, Jack 1908-1914 (17 NFC games) and Leonard 1907-1914 (84 NFC games) both had impressive careers with Norwood.

Cornelius Chamberlain died at his residence at Rose Park, on 14 November 1943

R Cialini, M Giles May 2019