Jade Sheedy joins Norwood

By ZAC MILBANK

Norwood has moved swiftly to secure dual SANFL premiership mentor Jade Sheedy as its senior coach.

Sheedy, who guided Woodville-West Torrens to back-to-back flags in 2020 and 2021, lands at The Parade after spending this year recharging his coaching battery.

”“I am (feeling refreshed), I know the enormity of the job, it consumes you 24/7 but it’s a real passion and something I love doing,” Sheedy told the Norwood FC website.

”I am looking forward to the journey to coach the club. My family as well, we are all excited to get on the journey together and see where it goes.

“I’m ready for it, it’s probably not something I was thinking about until a month ago. But talking with Norwood and going through the process – once you start doing that you understand what you enjoy and what your passion is.

“It’s certainly a passion for me and although it’s a really big job and a serious job, it’s also a great passion of mine. It’s something I love doing. I love the people in football clubs and getting to know players, helping them get better on the field and driving a strong club through culture, that really excites me.”

The 44-year-old spent four seasons with the Eagles from 2020 to 2023, finishing with an impressive overall win-loss record of 44-30.

Sheedy – who played 255 SANFL games for Sturt from 2000-2012 – also guided the West End State team to successive victories against the WAFL in 2021 and 2022, to retain the Haydn Bunton Junior Cup.

It’s fair to say the 2002 Magarey Medallist is ready to embrace the enormity of guiding one of the competition’s most popular clubs.

“I am looking forward to the challenge to coach the Norwood Football Club and I’m grateful for the opportunity and support,” Sheedy said.

“It’s an honour to coach a club so rich in history, a club that’s been around for 146 years and has a great history behind it.

“This has been such a big football club, a powerhouse of the SANFL for a long time.

“It was a successful year in 2024, but I’m excited about the demographic of the list, it’s a young list and they seem tight knit, are good mates and they work hard – you need these things to be successful.

“I am looking forward to helping them on their journey and improve on that. I love the conditioning side, roles, and if you have a driven group it can all come together well.”

Norwood CEO James Fantasia said the Redlegs were delighted to welcome Sheedy to Woods Street, where he will replace 2022 premiership mentor Jade Rawlings, who has accepted a role as an assistant with AFL club Fremantle.

“Jade’s appointment as Senior Coach marks an exciting new chapter for the Norwood Football Club,” Fantasia said.

“With his proven track record and deep commitment to both excellence and community, we’re confident he’ll bring strong leadership, inspire our players, and elevate the club to new heights.

“Jade understands the legacy and passion of Norwood, and we’re thrilled to have him lead our team into the future.

“We look forward to seeing Jade bring his level of experience and to continue on the foundations that have already been laid at the club.”