Norm Smith’s successful St Joseph’s team, 1976. His son Stephen is third from
the right, front row.
the right, front row.
By Bruce Phillips
OUR Norm Smith was a footballer with one eye and a banged-up body. His skills were ordinary. He couldn’t kick a ball more than 25 metres and overhead marks always required two grabs. He more than compensated with guts and determination.
Norm brought the best out in people, uniting them around a shared purpose. He had a way of making your day better. The comedian, the healer, the philosopher with a constantly positive outlook. He never changed. A born leader he didn’t have to do much to make people follow.
They say sport is a metaphor for life. Norm’s was one big powerful metaphor, channeling the experience of incredible hardship and deprivation into the game - and the life - he loved.
OUR Norm Smith was a footballer with one eye and a banged-up body. His skills were ordinary. He couldn’t kick a ball more than 25 metres and overhead marks always required two grabs. He more than compensated with guts and determination.
Norm brought the best out in people, uniting them around a shared purpose. He had a way of making your day better. The comedian, the healer, the philosopher with a constantly positive outlook. He never changed. A born leader he didn’t have to do much to make people follow.
They say sport is a metaphor for life. Norm’s was one big powerful metaphor, channeling the experience of incredible hardship and deprivation into the game - and the life - he loved.
