BIO

Wartime competition 1942 - 1944
Norwood-North games: 1
Norwood-North goals: 1

1941 was a tumultuous time for football in South Australia. In Norwood’s case it was reported at the Annual General Meeting in February that over 50 past and present players and officials had joined the fighting forces. 

Two coaches had dropped by the wayside. In 1940 Jack Smith had resigned when he enlisted in the A.I.F. Prior to the 1942 season Hardiman gave up the position due to increased work commitments but did continue to play. Perce McCallum took over the reins. 

In this atmosphere Ray Monahan played in the pre-season trials. The previous year he had played for the Sturt Association (reserves) side. Half forward was his preferred position but in the trials he was also tried as a follower. Reporters were impressed by his game. Along with Eaton and Tugwell he was the most impressive of the new recruits. It was also reported that Norwood had found a solid newcomer in Monahan who came to the fore as a follower and half forward.

Despite these reports Ray played the early games with the reserves. It was in a game against Sturt that he caught the eye of league selectors when he kicked three goals from centre half forward and was named best on ground. 

The following week he was named in the league side at half forward against West Torrens. It would seem if you are making a debut it is best not to be in a losing side. Unfortunately for Monahan he was held goalless and the side lost by 13 points. He was back in the seconds for the rest of the season.

In 1942 the league competition was suspended for the duration of World War II. A patriotic competition was set up whereby league clubs combined to form a four team league and Norwood combined with North Adelaide. Ray took part in a Norwood-North trial held at Walkerville Oval in early May. He was chosen in the round one match against South-Sturt at Unley but his team lost by 27 points. Monahan kicked a goal but played no further games that season.

B Ridge Nov 2021