Big SANFL signing as Magarey Medallist Harry Boyd rejoins Redlegs
SANFL powerhouse Norwood has pulled off a recruiting coup, with a Magarey Medallist turning his back on the AFL system to try win another premiership at The Parade.
SANFL powerhouse Norwood has pulled off a recruiting coup, with Magarey Medallist Harry Boyd turning his back on the AFL and returning to The Parade.
Delisted by St Kilda at the end of last season after spending only one year in the AFL following his 2024 Magarey Medal win with the Redlegs, Boyd has shunned interest from other AFL clubs to chase a second flag with Norwood.
“I’m really excited to be back at Norwood,” the star 27-year-old ruckman said after inking a two-year deal.
“Norwood means a lot to me and to be able to achieve what I already have at the club, especially the 2022 premiership, is great but it’s the people at the club – from the players and coaches to the administration staff – that mean the most.
“You form those bonds, which I’ve really missed over the past 12 months, and once the 2025 season was over I had a think about what was next.
“Being at Adelaide Oval watching the SANFL preliminary final (against Glenelg) really sparked my interest in returning to play for Norwood again.’’
Boyd’s last game for the Redlegs was the epic 2024 grand final, which the Tigers won by five points.
He enjoyed a spectacular 2024 season, tying for the Magarey Medal as the SANFL’s fairest and most brilliant player with Sturt midfielder Will Snelling on 34 votes, becoming only the second ruckman to win the medal in 73 years.
Boyd, who averaged a staggering 42 hit-outs, 20 disposals and 10 clearances a game in 2024, was then selected by St Kilda in the AFL pre-season Supplemental Selection Period.
But he played only one AFL game for the Saints – in round one against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval – before being delisted.
He had previously played 79 SANFL games for Norwood from 2021-24 after being recruited from Goulburn Valley League club Shepparton.
Apart from the Magarey Medal, the 198cm Boyd won the Jack Oatey Medal as best afield in Norwood’s 2022 grand final win against North Adelaide and two club best and fairest awards, while also representing SA at state level and twice being named in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year.
Boyd described his one year in the AFL as “a great experience’’ but admitted his season had “its challenges’’.
“But to live out this lifestyle and form some great connections within the AFL industry will stand me in good stead moving forward,” he said.
Boyd’s signing comes on the back of Norwood’s recruitment of star Central District midfielder Kade Dittmar, greatly enhancing its 2026 premiership prospects after it lost this year’s preliminary final to Glenelg by only two points.
“As a club we are very excited by the return of Harry,” Redlegs coach Jade Sheedy said.
“We all know the high level that Harry consistently plays at, but our club is also looking forward to welcoming back a great teammate that sets high standards and has a great love for the club.”
Originally published as Big SANFL signing as Magarey Medallist Harry Boyd rejoins Redlegs
Aussie opener poised for six-figure windfall
