BIO

J. Edwards and three other players were nominated as promising Norwood juniors after the club  finished second to South Adelaide in 1896.

One of the Norwood debutants, Bert Renfrey, was embarking on a stellar football career across four states.  Another, James Jackson, later joined North Adelaide and his younger brother William went on to represent South Adelaide, Sturt and West Adelaide.

Of Edwards we know only that he played at least one senior game – the season opener against North Adelaide before a large crowd at Adelaide Oval.  Both teams were below strength but Norwood, although pushed hard at times, was never in danger, winning 11.7 to 4.4.

The Advertiser said: “The red-and-blues had very few of their old men playing, but the game afforded n excellent opportunity for their juniors to display their powers, and several of them showed an excellent knowledge of the game.  It was noticeable that the Norwoods had some difficulty in getting a full team together, and several men were playing without having a full uniform.  This is greatly to be regretted, and if the practice is pursued will do much to diminish the interest in the game.”

P. Robins August 2024