Norwood Redlegs take nickname to a whole new level crushing grapes at d’Arenberg Cube

NORWOOD football players have crushed grapes at the d’Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale to celebrate the club’s 140th anniversary — and connect with its history.

Norwood football players Alex Forster, Matt Fuller, Callum Bartlett, Matthew Panos Harry Viney and Ben Jefferies visiting d'Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale.

• Visitors flock to new d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale
• Winemaker tips in $500k donation to get Norwood project moving

NORWOOD Football Club has taken its nickname — the Redlegs — to a whole new meaning.

Chief executive James Fantasia, president Paul Di Iulio and the team visited the d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale over the weekend to celebrate the club’s 140th anniversary.

Senior players jumped in the fermenting tube and squashed freshly picked grapes during the visit, while others rolled wine barrels across the winery.

The club was invited to the winery by d’Arenberg owner Chester Osborne, whose great grandfather, Joseph Osborne, helped form the club and captained the Redlegs from 1878 to 1881, later serving as its treasurer.

Matthew Panos and Harry Viney crush grapes at d'Arenberg winery.

Jace Bode, Alex Georgiou and Ed Smart show off their red legs.

Joseph — who was also chairman of Burnside District Council from 1892 to 1908 — bought the d’Arenberg property, originally named Bundarra, in 1912.

Mr Fantasia said it was important to recognise the club’s connection with the winemaking family.

“The boys were really getting involved with the crushing, which was really cool to see,” Mr Fantasia said.

“Chester was like the pre-season coach putting the players through their paces.

“To be able to recognise Joseph’s contribution as our first captain and enjoy the surroundings of d’Arenberg was also pretty special.”