BIO

Michael Olsen was born in New South Wales and after moving to South Australia, attended Campbelltown High School and came through Norwood's junior grades.

He was voted most improved for the thirds in 1970, and in the following season was vice-captain of the thirds in their premiership year.
 
Olsen made his league debut against Port Adelaide in Round 10, 1972, on the Alberton Oval - the Redlegs running out easy winners, 16.20 to 7.20. Playing mainly as a wingman, or ruck-rover, Olsen was a very good mark and accurate kick.
 
In 1974 he played in a reserves flag. Named as a ruck-rover, he helped his side defeat North Adelaide by 10 goals.
 
A shoulder injury in 1975 kept him out for most of the season. However, he returned in time to play in the all-important Grand Final against Glenelg, which saw Norwood break its 25 year premiership drought.
 
In 1977, Olsen was a member of the Norwood team that won the Ardath Cup, beating East Perth in the final.
 
Olsen then played in another Reserves Premiership in 1978. A late omission for the league grand final side, Olsen was outstanding in the reserves final which saw Norwood account for West Adelaide by 40 points.
 
After his playing days at The Parade were over, he joined the Athelstone Football Club in the newly formed South Australian Football Association.
 
Olsen later continued to serve the Norwood Football Club off the field. He was part  of the club's management team from the mid-1970's, working on promotions and marketing and was largely responsible for the extremely successful bingo competition at the Redlegs Club.

In 1991, after 22 years of involvement with the Norwood Football Club, Olsen was recognized with life membership. 

Michael Olsen had served the club with distinction and in 1999, retired from his position of Operations Manager. 

R Cialini Nov 2014