Ex-Norwood and Crows midfielder Anthony Wilson signs with Payneham Norwood Union

A top tier Adelaide Footy League club has recruited another Norwood premiership star to its list ahead of the 2021 season.

Former Norwood midfielder Anthony Wilson, in action last SANFL season, has signed with Payneham Norwood Union ahead of the 2021 Adelaide Footy League season. Picture: Sarah Reed

Payneham Norwood Union has strengthened its list ahead of the 2021 Adelaide Footy League season, luring Norwood premiership star Anthony Williams to the club.

Wilson announced his retirement from the SANFL last month after 91 games with the Redlegs, including the 2014 grand final win.

He joins former Norwood teammate, now Falcons playing coach Jace Bode and ex-Redleg ruckman Sam Baulderstone, who signed with the division one club in October.

Luke Surman – another former Redleg – will also play for PNU should the ex-Hawthorn forward not be required for Port Adelaide’s SANFL side after switching to the Magpies in the off-season.

Anthony Wilson celebrating after a goal for Norwood in 2019. Picture: Matt Loxton

Wilson said he hung up with SANFL boots because he wanted more time to focus on his business – Nood Australia – which made cleaning and skin care products using indigenous Australian ingredients.

The 28-year-old, who was also on the Crows’ AFL list in 2015, said Nood Australia had boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic and he was ready to play footy in a more relaxed competition.

“With work and some family stuff, I decided to pull the pin,” Wilson said.

“I have some opportunities in the pipeline that can really grow my business and that was going to take a lot of time up.

“My business has grown quite dramatically over the past 12 months … and COVID probably helped our brand get some exposure during a very chaotic time.

“Committing to four days a week of training (with Norwood) was quite demanding so I decided I would go out to Payneham and enjoy playing footy with some of my mates.”

Anthony Wilson during the 2018 SANFL grand final. Picture: Sarah Reed

Wilson, who ended his SANFL career with 103 games and 120 goals, said telling Norwood he was not returning for 2021 was tough.

But he is now excited to inject some speed into the Falcons’ midfield, impart some footy knowledge onto the youngsters at the Falcons and hopefully win a flag.

“I always thought it was weird people got a bit emotional when they retired,” Wilson said.

“I never thought I’d be that person, but I did get a little emotional with the decision.

“But Payneham Norwood Union now almost feels like home, already having friends there is a bonus.”

Payneham Norwood Union won the Adelaide Footy League division one grand final in 2019.

But the Falcons just missed out on a finals berth in 2020 with Bode taking over from Norwood great Garry McIntosh as coach.