BIO

Mark Ducker was involved with Norwood's junior development squads whilst still in primary school. Attending Prince Alfred College, he progressed through Norwood's underage teams, and was part of the 1984 Under 17 and 1985 Under 19 premiership teams.
 
Ducker made his league debut in 1986. After a few appearances however, he lost his spot when Neville Roberts returned to the line-up. Playing in the Reserves, he was involved in another Norwood flag, kicking five goals in the Redlegs' annihilation  of Woodville in the 1986 Grand Final.
 
By 1987 he had established himself in the senior team and topped Norwood's goal-kicking list with 54 goals. At the end of the season Ducker was selected in the national draft by the Melbourne Football Club at selection 24.
 
After deciding to stay at The Parade, the tall, mobile forward played most of his football at full forward although he did have a season at full back in 1990. Capable of scoring bags of goals, he kicked 12 goals against West Torrens in 1988 and 14 against Sturt in 1991. Both games were played on the Norwood Oval.
 
Ducker made his 100th appearance in round 21, 1993 kicking eight goals against Port Adelaide, again on the Norwood Oval. He was named in a forward pocket alongside Chris Prime in the 1993 Grand Final against Woodville-West Torrens. Having finally made it to a league Grand Final, having played in three losing preliminary finals, he was sadly part of a Norwood team that was comfortably defeated by the Eagles in the premiership decider.  
 
Injuries hampered Ducker's senior career. Among the major setbacks were a ligament rupture in the wrist, a broken and dislocated ankle and several hamstring strains. Due to the persistent injuries, and to increased commitments in his work as a physiotherapist, Mark Ducker decided to retire from football in June 1994.
 
A talented cricketer, Mark Ducker also played A Grade for the Prospect cricket club.

R Cialini June 2015