BIO

John "Horrie" Nelson was named most improved player for the Junior Colts in 1950 and also for the Senior Colts the following year. The following season he won an award for best use of the ball in the Senior Colts.
 
His older brother nicknamed him "Horrie", because he sold football budgets for a newspaper agent called Horrie Graham.

Nelson played at centre-half forward in his League debut against West Torrens. In his debut season he played 15 games as a wingman or half-forward and was adjudged best junior for the year.
 
After 26 games for the Redlegs, he transferred to St. Kilda in 1955, and played 11 VFL games.
 
Back at the Parade in 1956, he was named best utility and played in Norwood's win in the 1956 Advertiser Cup final.
 
He captain-coached the Lucindale Football Club in 1958, and was Norwood's official runner in 1959 and 1960.
 
A strong kick, and sure mark, he could play forward and back, but it was his exceptional pace that set him apart.

Nelson participated in a number of athletics running events and the Whyalla Gift and several Bay Sheffield races were amongst his triumphs.

He was an important player in the Reserves 1961 Grand Final win against West Torrens on the Adelaide Oval. Nelson was also awarded a player's Five Year Certificate in 1961. 
 
He coached the Norwood Colts in the mid-1960's, and in 1965 led them to their first ever Premiership.
 
On retiring from playing, he worked in the media, and at one stage was the around the grounds reporter for 5AD.

R Cialini Nov 2014