BIO

Recruited from Port Augusta in 1960, Dennis Modra was an all-round athlete who was proficient in many sports. He was a professional runner, and played baseball, cricket, golf and tennis. Noted for his speed, fierce tackling and long kicking, he was extremely popular with the Norwood faithful. 
 
Modra won Norwood's Best First Year Player award in his debut season, and in the following year represented South Australia's Second Eighteen. Playing on a wing, he used his pace to cut through opposition defences. He was among Norwood’s best players against West Adelaide in the losing 1961 Grand Final. 

In 1962 and 1963 he collected the Most Effective Player award, but his 1964 season was ruined by a cartilage injury. Late in his career Modra had a successful stint in the Back-Pocket.

Dogged by ongoing injuries, Modra unfortunately was forced to miss many games throughout his 11 year stint at the Parade, and in the end it was the leg injuries that brought forward his retirement from League football.
 
In 1969 Modra was made a Life Member of the Norwood Football Club and of the South Australian National Football League.
 
His son Ben played 42 games for the Redlegs , making his League debut on 25th March 1989.

R Cialini June 2014