BIO

Born in Mt Barker, Norman Gryst came to Norwood as a junior player. His major asset was his pace and he participated in a number of professional foot races.

Norman made his league debut against North Adelaide at the Jubilee Oval in August 1904 and made an immediate impression, playing on the wing.
“The Eastern Men have found three good juniors in Townsend, Gryst and Lewis.” (Observer, 20/8/04.)

Much was made of his pace. “Gryst made a brilliant run round the Eastern Wing.” (Advertiser 29/8/04) and  “Gryst made some brilliant runs.” (Chronicle 3/9/04)

Although he played just nine games, Norman Gryst became a premiership player as part of the side that defeated Port Adelaide in one of the all-time, great Grand Finals in September 1904. Norwood eclipsed a 35 point deficit at three-quarter time to win the epic match by four points.

Professionally, Gryst spent 49 years with Elder Smith and Company. forty of those in charge of their explosive agency until his retirement in June, 1947.

Unfortunately, his retirement was short-lived. He died at home on September 19th 1948, aged 65.

B Ridge Dec 2017

* We thank Michael Gryst for the picture of his grandfather