BIO

William Edward John Allen was educated at Prince Alfred College and went on to record an interesting League career. After making his League debut in the opening round of the 1939 season, he was named the most improved player in Sturt's C grade team.
 
He was then cleared to West Torrens for the start of the 1940 season where he played eight League matches for the year. However, after just one season, he moved to Norwood for the start of the 1941 season. 

Allen played at full forward in a pre-season internal trial, but was named in the centre for his Norwood League debut. Ironically, it was against West Torrens, and while Norwood were defeated by 13 points, Allen was amongst Norwood's best. He was moved to a half forward flank for his next game, and played predominantly across the half forward line from then on. Allen played 15 games for the season, including the 1941 Grand Final. Norwood defeated Sturt by 29 points and Allen kicked two goals in the premiership decider.
 
With the outbreak of World War II, Allen had to wait until 1945 before he was able to play for Norwood again. He added another six games in 1945. Having made his Norwood debut against one of his former clubs, West Torrens, he played his final game for the Redlegs against Sturt, where his League career had begun.
 
Allen also played A Grade cricket for the East Torrens Cricket Club.

R Cialini March 2015