Vale Dave Norman 1942-2025
Career 1961-66
Games 91 Goals 149
The Collingwood Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the death of former player David Norman.
Norman was a highly skilled rover/forward who was a key part of Collingwood’s resurgence under coach Bob Rose in 1964.
He had won two country competition best-and-fairests, the first with his home town of Beaufort and the second with Ballarat North, before arriving at Victoria Park in 1961. He established himself in the senior team almost immediately, making his debut after only one reserves match and kicking four goals from a forward pocket in just his second game.
He was a classic Magpie rover: tenacious, tough, quick and with a deadly eye for goal. As the Pies themselves described him in an early update: “David is an ideal type of rover, strong, fast, courageous, clever and willing to go into packs to get the ball. In addition he is a most capable forward, adding bite and cleverness to the attacking division.”
Despite his abilities as a rover, which were considerable, he was best-known for his goalkicking. He twice kicked six in a game, and twice five. He kicked 36 goals in 1962, 41 in 1964 and 32 in 1965 to top the Club’s goalkicking.
Unfortunately for Dave, the arrival of future Hall of Famers Wayne Richardson and Barry Price brought on a selection squeeze and his League career ended at just 24. He returned to be a star in country football. But he remained a devoted Magpie fan all his life, and often took part in the past player golf days. He suffered a sudden stroke late last year, and passed away on April 20.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge Dave Norman’s outstanding contribution to our club. Our thoughts are with his family, and his friends from Collingwood and beyond.
Side by Side.
To read Dave’s full story and the stats from his career, click here
