Dual Eagles premiership coach Jade Sheedy to take the reins for Norwood at The Parade

Norwood has turned to a dual SANFL premiership coach to replace Fremantle-bound Jade Rawlings, writes Andrew Capel.

SANFL powerhouse Norwood has replaced one premiership coach with another, handing former Woodville-West Torrens mentor Jade Sheedy the keys to The Parade.

The 44-year-old dual Eagles premiership coach has been sensationally appointed as Jade Rawlings’ successor after taking a year off from the SANFL following his resignation from the Eagles in 2023.

His signing is a massive coup for the Redlegs, who finished minor premier this year before losing an epic grand final to Glenelg by five points.

Sheedy – a Magarey Medallist and premiership player with Sturt in 2002 – led Woodville-West Torrens to back-to-back premierships in his first two years in charge in 2020 and 2021 before the club finished seventh and eighth respectively in his final two years at the helm.

Sheedy cited “burn out’’ and the fact that he had “run out of puff’’ for his decision to leave the Eagles and walk away from the SANFL as he juggled football, work (with Sheedy Homes) and family commitments.

New Norwood coach Jade Sheedy with the Thomas Seymour Hill premiership trophy following Woodville-West Torrens’ 2021 SANFL grand final win against Glenelg. Picture: Dean Martin

Now he is recharged, has the fire back in the belly and is ready to lead Norwood’s pursuit of a 32nd men’s league premiership.

“I am (feeling refreshed),’’ Sheedy said.

“I know the enormity of the job, it consumes you 24/7, but it’s a real passion and something I love doing.

“It’s an honour to coach a club so rich in history and I’m looking forward to the journey.

“This has been such a big football club, a powerhouse of the SANFL for a long time, with 146 years of history and a lot of great players and moments that have gone before us.

“It’s probably not something I was thinking about until a month ago but talking with Norwood and going through the process – once you start doing that you understand what you enjoy and what your passion is.

“I grew up in Victoria but have been involved in the SANFL for a while now and learnt what the league is about and I’m excited by the challenge.

“It was a successful year in 2024 but I’m excited about the demographic of the list and looking forward to helping them on their journey.’’

Jade Sheedy with his family before his South Australian Football Hall of Fame induction in September. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Sheedy, who was inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame in September, has big Redlegs’ shoes to fill.

He is replacing Fremantle-bound Rawlings, who led Norwood to the 2022 premiership and second this year.

In four years at The Parade, the astute Rawlings – who has joined the Dockers as an assistant coach – took the club to fourth, first, seventh and second.

Sheedy, who played 255 SANFL games and kicked 117 goals for Sturt from 2000-2012 as a standout midfielder, winning four club champion awards and making The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year six times, also has state coaching experience.

He guided the SANFL state team to wins against the WAFL in 2021 and 2022.

Rawlings coached the state team in 2023 and 2024, posting an unbeaten 3-0 record against the WAFL and VFL.

Redlegs chief executive James Fantasia said Sheedy’s appointment “marks an exciting new chapter for the Norwood Football Club’’.

“With his proven track record and deep commitment to both excellence and community, we’re confident Jade will bring strong leadership, inspire our players and elevate the club to new heights,’’ he said.

Jade Sheedy (left) celebrates Woodville-West Torrens’ 2021 SANFL grand final triumph with captain Luke Thompson. Picture: Sarah Reed

Jade Sheedy coaching the Eagles in 2022. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Jade understands the legacy and passion of the Norwood Football Club and we’re thrilled to have him lead our team into the future.’’

While he portrays a relaxed demeanour, Sheedy describes himself as “a very competitive person’’.

“If you ask my mum, dad and brother, they would say I’m a bit of a psycho in terms of how competitive I am,’’ he said when he was inducted into the SA Football Hall of Fame.

“I don’t like losing and have that real gritty determination to always try to be the best at whatever I do.’’

That attitude will serve him well at success-hungry Norwood, which is right in the premiership window.