The Crows’ players’ race at Adelaide Oval has been named in honour of one of South Australia’s most influential football identities.

Bob Hammond enjoyed a distinguished playing, coaching and administrative career, stretching more than 50 years.

He played 248 games for North Adelaide and Norwood, winning premierships as a player and coach.

Among his many other achievements, Hammond represented South Australia as a player and coach, and has been inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Hammond was also Adelaide’s inaugural Chairman, serving from 1991 – 2000. He later became an AFL Commissioner.

Adelaide Football Club Chairman Rob Chapman said naming the players’ entrance after Hammond, who addressed the current players and coaches this morning, was a logical decision.

“Bob achieved many of his feats here at the Adelaide Oval,” he said.

“Plus his passion, commitment and hard work in the early years have allowed this Club to prosper and become what it is today.

“Everyone at the Adelaide Football Club appreciates and acknowledges his contribution.”

Hammond described the honour as humbling.

“While the race bears my name, I would like to think of it as a reflection of all of the players, coaches, administrators, members and supporters,” Hammond said.

“What I have done is a representation of all those who have been part of the Club or derived enjoyment over the years.”

The Bob Hammond Race will be used for the first time when Adelaide plays Hawthorn on Friday night.

 

BOB HAMMOND

Playing record:

  • 234 games  & 69 goals for North Adelaide (1960-1973)
  • 14 games for Norwood (1974-1975)
  • Captain of North Adelaide (1973)
  • Captain of Norwood (1974)

Premierships:

  • Premiership coach of Norwood (1975 & 1978)
  • Premiership player with North Adelaide (1960, 1971 & 1972)

State matches:

  • 7 games for South Australia

Achievements:

  • Player life member of SANFL
  • Life Member of North Adelaide
  • Named back pocket in North Adelaide’s official ‘Team of the Century’
  • Life Member of Norwood
  • Life Member of AFL
  • South Australian Football Hall of Fame

Coaching record:

  • Norwood (1974-1979)
  • South Australia (1983)
  • Sydney Swans (1984)

Administration:

  • Norwood Board Member (1981-1990)
  • Adelaide Football Club Chairman (1991-2000)
  • AFL Commissioner (2001- 2011)