New claims emerge that Redlegs ‘want to join AFL’ as national spotlight shines on Norwood

Rumours are again swirling that the Norwood Football Club wants to join the AFL as Gather Round footy fever sweeps SA.

Reports Norwood will actively pursue a 20th AFL licence and enter the national competition have again emerged as Gather Round fever swamps SA.

With the excitement of the reveal of the Tasmania Devils and the Redlegs’ home on the Parade on the national stage hosting AFL games, there’s talk Norwood is eyeing the opportunity to be a third South Australian AFL team.

7NEWS Adelaide’s Josh Money reported on Wednesday a source close to the club said if a spot became available, “look out”.

Redlegs players celebrate after winning the 2022 SANFL Grand Final between Norwood and North Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. Picture: SANFL/Scott Starkey

“Redlegs officials are desperate to showcase their club on the national stage,” Money said.

“While the club is yet to make an official bid to follow the newly formed Tasmanian side into the league, it’s understood Norwood believes it should be at the front of the queue if and when a 20th AFL licence becomes available.

“Boasting major South Australian partners including Wolf Blass and Coopers, the SANFL’s highest game attendances and a ground already hosting AFL and AFLW games, Norwood thinks it’s the best-placed club in Australia on and off the field.”

It comes just days after reports Port Adelaide was adamant it wants to exit the SANFL as soon as possible, with clubs to lobby the AFL to create a national reserves competition sooner rather than later.

In March last year, radio sports commentator Chris Dittmar claimed a bid was in the works for SANFL club Norwood to become the AFL’s 20th team.

Speaking on Triple M in 2023, Dittmar suggested business people tied to Norwood were working on a plan that would see the Redlegs join the national competition after Tasmania is admitted as the 19th side.

However, Redlegs chief executive James Fantastia was quick to deny claims the club wants to join the league after Tasmania.

“There has certainly been no consortiums or discussions of anything of that nature. There is absolutely no substance there, 100 per cent there isn’t,” he told News Corp last year.