BIO

Bill Pedder was a product of Norwood juniors and was a member of the 1947 Senior Colts Premiership team. The 18 year old, 172cm, 69kg youngster impressed in the following season’s trials and was included in the Association (Seconds) side in the early rounds.Pedder gained a reputation as a, “Dashing Wingman,” and was chosen as 20th Man for the League side against Port in early July. The following week, Bill was selected in the starting line-up against Sturt.

Over the next four seasons Pedder amassed just 33 League games. He confronted two major obstacles; injury and talented rivals. Attempting to earn a permanent position in a Norwood centre line that included future club icons, Olds and Gallagher was daunting. Persistent leg injuries interrupted his career and after each Bill was forced to work his way back through the Seconds.

His bad luck with injuries was exemplified during the 1948 Final Series. Having established himself on a wing, he was forced to miss the semi-final due to illness. Recovering in time to take his place against West Torrens in the Grand Final, he lasted just 20 minutes into the first quarter when he had to be replaced due to an ankle injury. Nonetheless, Bill Pedder was a Premiership player. 

The next three seasons followed a similar pattern with Bill regularly alternating between the Association, League Bench and League Side. There were two significant highlights. In June, 1949 he was chosen in the combined Association team that played against the Whyalla League and named high among the best players. The second was the 1950 Premiership victory over Glenelg. Pedder seemed unlikely to make this side as he had been sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in an Association match. Norwood was beset with a number of injuries and consequently an opportunity opened for Bill, not on his customary Wing but at Half-Forward. He played, kicked a goal and gained his second Premiership. What a significant achievement.

July, 1951 was a bitter-sweet time for Bill Pedder. In a match against Port he sustained a badly, broken wrist which brought an end to his League career. It was also the month in which he announced his engagement to Helen Green, a first year Nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Thirty-Three games may not seem a great number but in his career at Norwood Bill Pedder played in a Senior Colts Premiership and 2 League Premierships. A record that would make any man feel proud.

B Ridge Nov 2017