BIO
Jim Conlon was a versatile Broken Hill footballer who represented New South Wales at the 1924 Australian carnival in Hobart and later played a useful season with Norwood.
Born on New Year’s Day 1902, he played for South Broken Hill from 1923 to 1933 in a home career interrupted only by his season with Norwood in 1927. He was on a half-forward flank for NSW in its carnival clash with SA, which won 18.15 to 9.9, but also played in the back pocket and on a half-back flank in other losing matches against Victoria, WA and Tasmania at North Hobart Oval.
Norwood finished a disappointing sixth in 1927 but Jim had his moments, with his dash and goalkicking earning him a spot in the best players as often as not. One of his best performances yielded him four goals as Norwood defeated South Adelaide 13.6 to 11.11 at Adelaide Oval on 16 July.
Norwood hit its straps towards the end of the season, but it was too late to challenge for a place in the final four. In its last minor round match, however, Norwood outlasted the fourth team, West Torrens, for a 12.12 to 11.7 victory in a fast, exciting game at Thebarton Oval. With three goals, Jim kicked the winning margin off his own boot.
Jim Conlon died at the age of 90 on 28 June 1992
P Robins August 2019