BIO

Peter John Koerner came from Strathalbyn and attended Rostrevor College. The classy stay at home centreman rose up through Norwood's juniors, being named the Senior Colts' most consistent player in 1953. In what was to be his first taste of senior footy, Koerner was named in an end of season night match against Port Adelaide, designed to raise funds for the Norwood RSL.

1954 saw him named Best and Fairest for Norwood's Reserves, play a handful of League matches and be selected in the South Australian State Seconds side that played their Victorian counterparts on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The following season saw Koerner consolidate his spot in the League side and be named the club's best junior. In 1956 he was a member of the team that won the Advertiser Cup, defeating South Adelaide in the Grand Final. A week later, Koerner was high in Norwood's best players in its victory over Carlton.

He represented the State on four occasions, three times in 1957 while on a tour that included games against Victoria, the Victorian Football Association and Tasmania.

Noted as a tenacious ground player with good disposal and playing almost exclusively as a centreman, Koerner then left the club to captain-coach North Adelaide in 1958 and 1959. After 36 games with the  Roosters and mixed success as a playing-coach, he returned to the Parade.

Unfortunately he was plagued with injury in 1960 and 1961, and was only able to add another six league games to his career total before announcing his retirement.

R Cialini May 2014