1952

Background

North missed the finals in 1950, finishing fifth, but bounced back in 1951 to finish second.  They lost to Port in the second semi-final, defeated Glenelg in the preliminary final and then lost narrowly to Port in the Grand Final.

North finished minor premiers in 1952 and played Port in the second semi-final.  They were 29 points down at half-time, but after an inspirational address by Ken Farmer during the break, North fought back to trail by only 3 points at three quarter time.  The final quarter was very tense as the lead changed hands several times.  Late in the quarter, Ian McKay had a run on the ball and found himself contesting a boundary throw-in in the forward pocket.  He grabbed the ball and snapped an incredible goal to snatch a three point win.  Norwood then beat Port in the preliminary final to earn the right to meet North in the Grand Final.

Premiership Team

(Coach : K. Farmer ;  Captain : I. McKay)

The Grand Final

The record makers

From the opening bounce Norwood were immediately into attack but McKay and Stringer held firm in defence.  Norwood scored the first goal, but soon after Phillips recovered quickly to turn and soccer North's first to even the scores.  Kennett scored North's second and then Griffin goaled from 50 yards out to give North the early ascendency.  Norwood kept up a persistent attack but could not capitalise until near the end of the quarter.  The margin at the first break was just 7 points and there was little to suggest the debacle that was to follow.

Five minutes into the second quarter Cox goaled for North, followed quickly by goals to Fuller and Proud.  McKenzie marked on the boundary line and passed to Kennett who goaled.  Soon after Kennett brought up North's 8th goal and when Phillips' shot bounced through for another the game was all but over.  In a superb display, North had kicked 6 unanswered goals.  Norwood finally scored their only goal of the quarter but Phillips and McKenzie replied for North to give them a commanding half-time lead of 47 points.

Seconds into the third quarter Norwood brought up their 4th goal.  North were then constantly into attack but could only add 4 points before McKenzie finally brought up a major.  Goals quickly followed to Kennett, McKenzie and Renner.  Next Phillips passed to Gilbourne who goaled from 40 yards.  Clearing from defence, Norwood kicked straight to Fuller who marked and passed to Aldenhoven.  His goal made the margin 77 points at the final break.

The last quarter completed the rout.  While Norwood managed a solitary goal, Cox (2), Proud, Phillips and McKenzie all goaled for North.  With time running out, McKay had a run on the ball and was on the half forward line when the ball came into attack.  Despite being held initially, he managed to soar above Pat Hall and take a screamer, then kicked truly from 50 yards out on the boundary.  The mark became famous because it was spectacularly captured by a newspaper photographer, even appearing on the front page of a London newspaper (with a caption which said it was taken at a Rugby match in Adelaide !).  Pat Hall described it as 'the best mark I ever felt'.

It was a massive victory to North by 18 goals, a record grand final margin which stands to this day.

Scores

Goals : Phillips 4.6, McKenzie 4.0, Kennett 4.0, Cox 3.1, Proud 2.3, Aldenhoven 1.2, Griffin 1.0, Fuller 1.0, Renner 1.0, Gilbourne 1.0, McKay 1.0, rushed 0.3

Attendance : 50,105

Team Photo

Back row, L to R : D. Gilbourne, A. Galloway, J. Blunden, K. Carroll, J. Tidswell, A. Aldenhoven, R. Proud, D. Stringer
Second row, L to R : L. Griffin, R. Phillips (Vice-Captain), I. McKay (Captain), K. Farmer (Coach), M. Way, L. Cunningham, G. Fuller
Front row, L to R : P. Kennett, H. McKenzie, L. Weston, J. Renner, A. Odgers, D. Cox