BIO

Frank Stemper moved to South Australia from Germany as a youngster and began his league career with Woodville in 1970. A reliable defender, he made 151 appearances for the Peckers, won two best and fairest awards, and also captained the club. As a result of a serious knee cap problem, he retired on medical advice at the end of the 1978 season.
 
Somewhat surprisingly, and after taking a year off with part-time studies, Stemper decided to return to senior football in 1980, joining the Norwood Football Club.
 
He proved to be a wonderful recruit for the Redlegs and was a very consistent player in his three seasons at the Parade. His performances were highlighted by strong marking, dashing rebound and sound decision-making.

In the opening rounds of 1980 he played the three league games in his 10th season of SANFL which qualified him for player life membership. Playing on a half-back flank, Stemper was one of Norwood's best players in the 1980 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide.
 
A shoulder injury in 1981 saw him miss 12 weeks of football.
 
He made his interstate debut in 1982 against Victoria at Football Park. A finger injury ruled him out of the game against Western Australia.
 
Stemper capped off his career in the 1982 Grand Final victory against Glenelg. He was again high in the best players, forming an impenetrable half back line of Stemper, Jim Thiel and Danny Jenkins.

R Cialini Nov 2016