Nick Lowden to be honoured at all SANFL games this weekend

The state’s top footy league has revealed plans to pay tribute to Norwood premiership star Nick Lowden following his shock death at age 23.

The SANFL and Norwood will pay special tribute to premiership player Nick Lowden this weekend.

The former Redlegs utility died suddenly during the SANFL bye round last week, aged 23.

Norwood, which famously won last year’s SANFL grand final by one point, with Lowden playing a key role in the victory against North Adelaide, will honour him at Saturday’s home clash against South Adelaide at The Parade.

It will be the club’s first game since Lowden’s passing.

There will be a fitting tribute, which will include photos and images on the club’s big screen, at Norwood Oval and a minute’s silence prior to the 2.10pm league game.

Players and umpires at all SANFL games this weekend, including league, reserves, under-18s and under-16s, will wear black armbands in Lowden’s honour.

A minute’s silence will be observed before the start of all Round 16 league games on Saturday and Sunday.

Nick Lowden celebrates kicking a goal for Norwood against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval in Round 5 this year. Picture: Cory Sutton/SANFL

Norwood’s Nick Lowden marks strongly against Adelaide in last year’s SANFL preliminary final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler said Lowden’s passing had impacted deeply on the SA football community and that it was appropriate that all 10 clubs in the men’s state league competition and their supporters had the opportunity to pay their respects on the weekend.

“Nick’s tragic and unexpected death has undoubtedly had an effect on everyone involved in football and collectively all clubs wished to remember him and honour his outstanding achievements during his time in our state league,” Chandler said.

“This will also provide a moment together to reflect on how precious life is, and as a football community how we can get around each other for support.

“We continue to offer our sincere condolences to Nick’s family and friends, while our hearts go out to the players, coaches and staff of the Norwood Football Club and its broader community at the toughest of times.”

The popular Lowden played 22 league games for Norwood, including all four finals last season, in his two years at the club (13 last season and nine this year) after signing from Victorian VFL club Casey Demons.

He was a product of the Gippsland Power.

Norwood chief executive James Fantasia said the club had been “humbled by the gesture and recognition of Nick’s passing by the league and all clubs’’.

Nick Lowden in action for Norwood against the Crows in last year’s SANFL qualifying final at Adelaide Oval. Picture: David Mariuz/SANFL

“I think it demonstrates how supportive and caring our football community is,’’ Fantasia said.

“This is incredibly comforting for our club, players, coaches, staff and certainly the Lowden family.”

In announcing Lowden’s passing last week, the Redlegs described him as “a powerful, strong player around the contest’’.

“Nick immediately made an impact on the field, ensuring that his presence was felt, particularly by opposition players,’’ the club said in a statement.

“Lowds’ played a variety of key roles but few more impactful and memorable than his role in the victorious 2022 SANFL grand final.

“He will be remembered by all of his teammates, along with the coaches, volunteers, support and administration staff of the Norwood Football Club. We all send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The 191cm, 93kg Lowden hadn't played since Round 9 following a calf injury.

Lowden will be farewelled at a service in Traralgon, Victoria, next Wednesday.