BIO

Early reports suggested that Noel Suhard was destined to become an outstanding footballer. An article in Referee, June 1915 had this to say, “N Suhard is one of the most promising young players the Norwoods have unearthed for some time.” The same publication in July stated “N. Suhard the young Norwood forward is exhibiting such good form this season that one is confident of his advent into higher honors in the near future.”

Nineteen year old Noel was chosen to play in the League side against North Adelaide in the first game of the 1915 season. It was a difficult time for the Norwood Football Club as many players had enlisted for war service. The Mail reported, prior to the first game , “Undoubtedly the principal sufferer have been the Norwoods and the flower of their team are now playing with the ball cartridge instead of the inflated sphere.”

He was chosen as a rover/forward and Suhard made an immediate impression. North were defeated and Noel was named high among the side’s best as well as kicking three goals. It was a dismal season for the Redlegs as they finished bottom but Suhard was a permanent fixture among the best players.

He was a fast, elusive player. In a game against Sturt, a reporter wrote that Suhard was “ Like an eel when roving. He was here, there and everywhere.”

Sadly, 1915 was Noel Suhard's first and last season. Early in 1916 he enlisted and became a Private in the Army Medical Corps. Tragically he became seriously ill and died on May 20th at the No.3 Auxilliary Hospital, North Adelaide. He was buried with full military honours at the Payneham Cemetery. He was just 20 years old.

B Ridge Sept 2014