Dawe closes on Premiership Redleg

By ZAC MILBANK

Triple Norwood premiership forward Brady Dawe has announced he will retire at season’s end as he races the clock to be fit for the major round.

Currently sidelined by a quad injury, the SANFL 200 Club member will be hoping his team-mates can overcome West Adelaide on Friday night to give him a chance to return in the Elimination Final on Saturday September 7.

With 206 League games and 130 goals on his resume, Dawe has been one of the club’s most consistent, and unheralded performers, during an extremely successful era at The Parade.

Recruited from the Meadows Football Club in the Adelaide Hills, Norwood’s No.30 has rarely missed a game while playing a vital structural role in the club’s consecutive premierships from 2012 to 2014.

Measuring in at 197cm and 94kg, the long-kicking left-footer has forged a reputation as a strong contested mark while also bringing the ball to ground for his fellow forwards inside attacking 50m.

And the 31-year-old isn’t afraid to pounce on the loose ball himself, regularly racking up goal assists for his team-mates in a position of strength.

”It was definitely a bit emotional when I told the fellas the other night,” Dawe said.

“It just all comes to an end and it feels like I only just started.

“It’s been 10 years now, and I have loved every second I’ve spent at the football club.

“For me, I think it’s the right time to hang up the boots, relax and focus on other parts of life.”

With his career not quite closed, Dawe rated the 2014 nail-biting premiership against Port at Adelaide Oval as his most memorable experience.

”The three premierships are certainly up there as some of my favourite memories playing at Norwood,” Dawe said.

“Probably the last one against Port Adelaide is the pick of the bunch, playing at Adelaide Oval in front of 38,000 people and winning was truly amazing.

“Over the years I have probably taken for granted how you get to run around and hang around with your mates every couple of days.

“I’ll definitely miss that, but am forever indebted to the club, as it’s given me the chance to create so many friendships.

“I would personally like to thank the Norwood Football Club, family, friends and supporters who have helped and supported me over my career.”

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton said Dawe’s selfless team play had been highly respected for the past 11 years at Woods Street.

“I think team man is the perfect way to describe Brady,” Cotton said.

“He plays his role every week and probably doesn’t get a lot of the praise which others do; however, he is held in such high regard around this place.

“As a player he plays his role whether it’s up forward or in the ruck and does everything he possibly can to be the best player he can be and best person.

“Overall Brady has had a fantastic career, 200 games and a triple premiership player – he will be regarded as one of the best of the football club.”