Red and Blue West End Chimney

By ZAC MILBANK

It had been an eight-year wait but it was well worth it for ardent Norwood fans who witnessed the red and blue unveiled at the new West End Chimney at Thebarton’s Brickworks.

Adorning the West End Chimney for the ninth occasion since the highly-respected tradition began in 1954, the Redlegs were still in celebration mode after their dramatic one-point win against North Adelaide in the Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Premiership Coach Jade Rawlings was soaking up the enormity of what he achieved after steering the foundation club to its 31st flag.

And the Tasmanian was gushing about the South Australian tradition of the colours of the winning SANFL premiership side being painted on top of the iconic landmark on South Road.

Port Adelaide great Fos Williams played a significant role in establishing the annual ritual which began in 1954 when he coached the Magpies to a hard-fought three-point win against West Adelaide in the SANFL Grand Final at Adelaide Oval.

To recognise the Bloods’ gallant effort, Williams suggested that a red stripe be painted underneath Port’s black and white colours to acknowledge the runner-up.

As a result, the tradition of painting both Grand Final teams’ colours on the West End Chimney remains despite the Brewery changing location from Hindley Street to Port Road in 1982 and now being decommissioned at the end of 2020.

Located in Thebarton, The Brickworks Kiln was constructed in 1913 and restored in 2016 by the West Torrens Council.

It stands adjacent to the Brickworks Marketplace, and is the last of the Hoffmann-style kilns still standing in Australia.

Rawlings also spoke of the heroics displayed by at least three of his players who battled through the finals series despite carrying serious injuries.

Star midfielder Nik Rokahr and unheralded backman Pierce Seymour had to overcome ankle syndesmosis ailments while emerging defender Jack Heard played in the Grand Final despite suffering a fractured wrist in the Preliminary Final.

Confirming he is very much settled in Adelaide and loving his role at The Parade, Rawlings is looking forward to welcoming his family to live in South Australia.

No Norwood players are yet to announce their departure, with veterans Matthew Panos and Mitch Wilkins keen to play on in 2023.

At this point, there has been little AFL interest in Heard and Jack Oatey Medallist Harry Boyd, much to the surprise of Rawlings.