BIO
NFL Champions of Australia Night Competition 1977
Originally from Marrabel in the state's Mid-North, James Michalanney made his League debut in Round 14 of the 1974 season and played four games for the year.
The former Rostrevor College First 18 footballer, then made 14 senior appearances in 1975, which included the all-important Grand Final victory against Glenelg. Playing at full forward, he kicked 2.1 in a low scoring affair (Norwood 9.10 - Glenelg 7.10).
Nicknamed "Big Jim", or "Piano" because of his perfect set of white teeth, the 1975 flag was the first of his premierships, in his 211 game career at the Parade.
In 1976 he was the club's leading goalkicker, and the following season was at centre half forward when the Redlegs defeated East Perth, in the Ardath Cup (NFL Night Final). During the year he also represented South Australia against Western Australia in Perth.
Norwood won the flag in 1978 - the club's centenary year. Michalanney was again named at the goalfront, as the Redlegs came from behind to defeat Sturt by one point in the Grand Final.
A serious groin injury forced him to miss the entire 1980 season. In 1981 he had surgery to repair torn stomach muscles and was restricted to three games, however he was still able to reach his 100 game milestone during the season.
Michalanney was selected as a full forward/ruckman in the 1982 premiership win against Glenelg, and as a centre half forward for the 1984 "History-Makers" Grand Final, which saw the Redlegs win the flag after finishing fifth at the end of the minor round.
Renowned as a strong marking forward with an accurate kick, Michalanney was also a more than capable tap ruckman despite his slight build.
He played his 200th senior game in 1985 and announced his retirement at the end of the 1986 season, after playing in the Norwood Reserves Grand Final victory over Woodville.
With four SANFL flags, one NFL night premiership and over 200 League games, "Big Jim" was a worthy inductee in Norwood's inaugural Hall of Fame in 2006.
R Cialini Feb 2017