BIO

James Fantasia attended Morialta High School and joined Norwood as a member of the club's junior development programme, progressing to the under 17s in 1981. He played 16 games for the under 17s in a premiership year, and another 20 games the following season when the 17's went back to back.

Fantasia represented South Australia in the 1982 Teal Cup carnival held in Brisbane.

In 1983 he appeared 10 times for the under 19s, the eventual premiers and 14 for the reserves. He also made his league debut in round 17, 1983, kicking two goals when Norwood easily accounted for Woodville : 32.19 to 11.12. He played two senior games in his first year.  

Best remembered as a small defender, but with the skills to play on a wing or running through the midfield, Fantasia  played 10 league games in 1984.

The following season he played in two Escort Cup games, and in a reserves premiership; Norwood winning the decider against Woodville by 102 points.

After another three games for the Norwood reserves early in 1986, bringing his tally to 56, he moved to Woodville and played 40 league games (1986-1987). He played in the Woodville Warrior's win against the Redlegs in the 1986 league Elimination Final.

Still a young footballer, he returned to The Parade in 1988 as Technical and Development Officer (1988 - 1990).

Since then his roles have included SANFL General Manager Game Development (1991-1995, 2006-2007). Adelaide Football Club Recruiting Manager (1995-2007), Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn Football General Manager and Norwood Football Club Football Committee ( 2014 - Present ).

In 2016 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Norwood Football Club.

The hard-working "Fanta" has proven to be a key component in Norwood's recent successes, on and off the field.

R Cialini November 2022