BIO

Wartime competition 1942-1944
Norwood-North games: 28
Norwood-North goals: 40

James Reilly was a Western Australian who, having enlisted in the RAAF, was posted to Adelaide in 1941. He was recruited by North Adelaide and made his league debut against West Torrens in July, playing at centre half forward. Due to his air force commitments he was unable to play any football in 1942. 

In 1943, James was able to resume playing with the Norwood-North side in the Wartime Competition. He played in the remaining two seasons at centre half forward, which included two premierships.

In March, 1946 he applied for and was granted a clearance to Norwood.  James played in the trials and clearly impressed. Following the final trial in April, The Mail reported, “Reilly played brilliantly at centre half forward.”

He was selected for his one and only league game for Norwood in the opening round match against his old club, North Adelaide. The Redlegs won by 43 points. James, playing on a half forward flank, kicked 2 goals 5 behinds, managing to hit the post twice. 

On ANZAC Day, 1946, he was chosen to play at Adelaide Oval for the RAAF against a team representing the Australian Navy. A game which included nine former and current Norwood players. All proceeds were given to the RSL Distress Fund

B Ridge April 2019