BIO

In 1919 the ravages of war and time had forced Norwood into a critical rebuilding phase. The league had been in recess since 1916 and it was estimated only about a dozen players from the pre-war era were still available.

There were two major recruitment areas; local juniors and returned servicemen. William Harvey fell into the latter group as he had served with the 10th Battalion A.I.F. during World War 1.

In his junior days he had played as a rover and was described as being slight of build but fleet of foot.

Harvey was given a chance to impress when chosen to play in a Norwood A versus Norwood B trial match. He played sufficiently well to be chosen in the league side for the round one game against West Adelaide. It was a successful debut. Norwood won and Harvey’s speed was noted by reporters. 

His league career was short lived. William was chosen the following week against Sturt but the game resulted in a resounding win for the Double Blues and Harvey was one of those who paid the price by being dropped. He played the remainder of the season in the seconds.

On the 19th July William was chosen to represent the 10th Battalion against the 27th at Adelaide Oval as a fundraiser for returned servicemen.

The following year on ANZAC Day it was reported that William Harvey, "who last year had played with Norwood" was again chosen for the 10th Battalion in a return match against the 27th.

William's brother Lionel William Harvey played two games for Norwood in 1908 and later served overseas with the 48th Battalion at Gallipoli and in France. He was killed in action at Bullecourt, France in April 1917.

B Ridge April 2020