BIO

A most brilliant season

When, in 1951, John Marriott won the Magarey Medal at the age of only 21, Norwood fnished out of the finals for the only time in his 10 seasons there. With many of the 1950 premiership side injured or unavailable, it was always going to be tough.

To compensate, and to lift those around him, the young ruckman elevated himself to such a level of confidence that he believed he could win every ball. Usually he did, and his was judged one of the most brilliant individual seasons the SANFL had seen. Yet no one should think John was a one season wonder. Despite his youth he was already an accomplished player, spotted early by coach Jack Oatey and schooled to sustain his influence, whether in ruck or at centre half-back, and with another five years of achievement ahead.

At the 1953 carnival in Brisbane he became Norwood’s first of four All Australians, and was an automatic selection for his State. Loyal to the jumper and his teammates as well as a champion at the game, John was one of those rare players who epitomise their club. His death in 1985 at only 55 left Norwood lamenting, and football too.