BIO

Dale Fleming was educated at Marcellin College in Victoria and played for Canterbury Football Club in the Southern Football League before commencing his AFL career at Hawthorn.

Traded by the Hawks to Fitzroy without making a senior appearance, Fleming played 13 games for Fitzroy between 1992 and 1993. He played 11 matches in his first year with the Lions. After making his League debut against St. Kilda, other highlights included a five goal performance against Sydney on the Sydney Cricket Ground, and kicking four goals against Carlton in only his second game. Fleming had begun his senior career as a high leaping, strong marking full forward.

Dale Fleming joined Norwood in the 1994 season, after being delisted by Fitzroy.

He kicked 40 goals in his first season at Norwood but, under coach Neil Craig, Fleming moved to defence and eventually became the best full back in the SANFL. He developed into a better ground player and tackler, playing direct, rebound football. His good form subsequently saw him represent the State at full back.

Fleming missed the disappointing 1996 Preliminary Final loss to Port Adelaide through injury. However, he was an important member of the all-conquering 1997 premiership team that demolished the Magpies by 73 points in the Grand Final. He also made his interstate debut in 1997, and was one of 10 Norwood players who represented South Australia against the Australian Capital Territory that year.

In 1999 he played his 100th League game and was part of the Redlegs team which went agonizingly close to winning another flag. The following season he was high in South Australia's best players, again at full back, in the interstate match against Western Australia.

Dale Fleming played his last League game for Norwood in the 2001 Elimination Final win over West Adelaide.

R Cialini Dec 2014