BIO

Educated at Westminster School, Chris Prime made a big impression with Norwood followers despite his relatively short stay at The Parade. Recruited from Port Neill on Eyre Peninsula and nicknamed "Tractor" by one of his ex-coaches in Port Lincoln, he quickly became one of the most popular players in the SANFL.
 
The powerfully built spearhead joined Norwood in 1993, having moved from his parents' property on South Australia's West Coast. Under coach Neil Craig, "Tractor" initially struggled with the pre-season demands of SANFL football.
 
Apart from his obvious strength, Prime was deceptively quick and highly skilled at ground level.

He kicked seven goals on his league debut against Sturt in Norwood's opening game of the 1993 season, after injuries to Mark Ducker and Anthony Pierri had created an opening at full-forward.
 
A strong mark, with a long and accurate kick, Prime had an outstanding debut season, topping Norwood's goal-kicking with 87 majors. He formed a two-pronged attack with Mark Ducker during the 1993 finals, which ended with the Redlegs playing the Eagles in the premiership decider. 

Prime was awarded the McCallum trophy as the best first year player.
 
Whilst bitterly disappointed with Norwood's grand final loss, he was delighted at being appointed vice-captain for the 1994 season after only one year of senior football. Prime had another solid year, booting 53 goals. He had one more season with the Redlegs, playing his last game in the 1995 preliminary final loss to Central District.
 
Returning to Eyre Peninsula, he has continued to terrorise opposing full backs. Including the games he has played for Port Neill (later Ports), Tasmans and Tumby Bay, by 2015 Tractor had kicked well over 2,000 career goals, as well as winning two Mail Medals for best and fairest in the local competition.

See also:  Chris 'Tractor' Prime by Malcolm Ashwood: Footy Almanac 30 April 2024. Accessed online 30 April 2024

R Cialini Aug 2015