BIO

Spencer Sibley came late into league football.  He won a prize for Latin and played in the First 18 for St Peter’s College and studied at Roseworthy College. Then came the World War 1 and he played his first game for Norwood in 1919 at the age of 25.

He made an immediate impression.  In 1919, Sibley was awarded Best and Fairest for Norwood and kicked 18 goals from the half forward flank to be the leading goal scorer in the League.

Sibley played in the premiership winning grand finals of 1922 and 1923. He played a critical part in Norwood’s forward system which was key to their success in those years. His final game for Norwood was the 1923 grand final.

Sibley’s career with Norwood was short, but memorable. After he retired, the attributes of the best forwards of later years were compared to Sibley’s. He was noted for his speed, unselfishness and year on year consistency. He was accurate, whether foot passing or kicking for goal and always dangerous when in possession. He was a “fairly good mark” and kicked with his left foot, enabling him to turn out of trouble.

After he retired he maintained a connection with the game as a league football goal umpire and continued to play A Grade district cricket.


R Crompton April 2013