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Norwood signs Adelaide Crows midfielder Richard Douglas for 2020 SANFL season

The Redlegs have added another piece to their arsenal of midfield weapons for next season by beating out West and Port Adelaide to former Crows onballer Richard Douglas.

Retiring Crow Richard Douglas speaks ahead of his last AFL match

Richard Douglas will continue his football career at The Parade after Norwood beat out two other suitors to secure his signature.

The 32-year-old ex-Adelaide Crow is the latest big name to land at the Redlegs, following the arrival of former North Melbourne and Brisbane midfielder Ryan Bastinac.

West Adelaide and Port Adelaide had also made offers to the 2010 Crows club champion.

Adelaide Crows best and fairest Richard Douglas is now a Redleg. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images
Adelaide Crows best and fairest Richard Douglas is now a Redleg. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Douglas, who played 246 games for Adelaide kicking 164 goals, said he felt a new adventure at Norwood was the right move for the next stage of his career.

“Norwood is a proud, successful club with such a rich history,” Douglas told the club website.

“It feels great coming to Norwood because it’s a new adventure for me.

“I know Jarrod Cotton, Mark Ross, James Fantasia and a couple of the other boys I used to play with really well.

“To get out on The Parade and play each Friday night with a group that I think is going places, is really exciting.”

Douglas will be a weapon for Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton in the midfield or up forward.

He will add to an already stacked on-ball brigade featuring new recruit Bastinac, Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg, Matt Panos, Dom Barry and Matt Nunn.

Douglas spent 14 years at the Crows after being drafted to the club from the Calder Cannons in 2005.

Crows Richard Douglas and Andy Otten bow out. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Crows Richard Douglas and Andy Otten bow out. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The club released a statement which said Douglas would finish up at the end of the season but the Victorian later revealed he was interested in continuing his career at another AFL club, should an opportunity be presented.

Douglas was linked to a playing coach role with Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill but former Crows teammate Andy Otten and ex-Richmond and GWS midfielder Brett Deledio were announced in roles at the Hawks earlier this month.

patrick.keam@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/sport/norwood-signs-adelaide-crows-midfielder-richard-douglas-for-2020-sanfl-season/news-story/97f803c789f3a67ac075b33c7188a572