BIO

Bernie Farrelly began his football career at Glenelg, where he played in the association (reserves) side. He gained a clearance to Norwood at the beginning of the 1953 season as a consequence of a transfer in his employment as a police officer. Bernie was placed on the association training list and made his debut as a rover in that side.

Norwood had lost no fewer than six regular league players from its 1952 team. Consequently, many opportunities opened up for new arrivals like Bernie. After some impressive performances in the association, where his hard attack at the ball was especially noted, Farrelly was elevated to the league training list and was chosen for his first league match against North Adelaide in May.

Like a number of others, Bernie found it hard to hold down a regular league spot and over the next two years spent time in the league and association sides as well serving a number of times as a reserve for the league side.

As well as playing for the Redlegs, Farrelly was also chosen in the South Australian Police Force team. He was adjudged best on ground when they defeated the Victorian Police at Norwood Oval in September, 1953.

He played his last league match against West Torrens in September 1954 but it wasn’t his last game for that season. In October, he played in a benefit match under lights at Norwood Oval against Port Adelaide in front of a crowd of 8000. Norwood won with all proceeds going to the Norwood RSL Sub-Branch

B Ridge May 2018