BIO

Harry Krome, as he preferred to be called, debuted against West Adelaide at the Wayville Showgrounds in April 1928. He was a follower, resting in a forward pocket. This was a position he was to make his own for years to come.

He made an auspicious start to his career by being leading goalkicker in his first season. At the end of that season he played in the Grand Final. Unfortunately, the game ended in an eight goal victory to Port Adelaide.

Twelve months later Harry and his teammates had the opportunity to redeem themselves. They defeated the old enemy, Port Adelaide, by 41 points. Krome kicked two goals and The Advertiser named him amongst Norwood’s best.

This was to be Harry’s last premiership and the last for Norwood until 1941. He was in a Norwood side coming to the end of a golden era that brought them four premierships in less than a decade. Champions like Scott, Lill and Ackland were retiring. Norwood had to rebuild.

During this period a great deal of responsibility fell on the broad shoulders and into the 'bucket' hands of Heinrich Krome.

Four times he was leading goal kicker and in 1934 he was made Captain. Alas for 'Buckets' Norwood came seventh which was totally alien and unacceptable to the red and blue faithful who had been weaned on the golden 20’s.

A view emerged that Krone and his team were filling in or indeed wasting time until a new Golden Era dawned.

When, in the forties, the likes of Oatey, Warhurst and Olds returned Norwood to premiership glory, an image of a 'fill-in' period was unfortunately reinforced.

The facts are that a fill-in doesn’t kick 239 career goals, gain State selection or be made Captain of one of the most celebrated football clubs in Australia.

Heinrich (Harry) Krome, the man they called 'Buckets,' was one of the great men of Norwood.


B Ridge Jan 2013