
While my memories of 1978 are only very dim, I do know that Mum, being a diehard Norwood fan since she led the cheersquad for two seasons in the late 60's to early 70's, had number 10 on my jumper, to recognise a particular player that is somewhat dear to at least some Norwood hearts on this forum. This was after being 28 initially, for another well known Norwood legend, before it changed for the final time to number 8 on the duffle coat, for the duration of Michael Aish's career.
Which is what made the mentions of the legendary run down the eastern wing of Footy Park on that day in 1984 all the more special. That got me out of my seat, cheering hoarsely for my favorite player, knowing the tide was turning our way at the end of one of the most amazing run of football I had seen a team play that year, where Norwood kept believing they were invincible.
Fate would have me live out most football fan's ultimate fantasy some 13 or so years later, when I played country football in the Hills Football League for many seasons. Playing against Echunga one day in the reserves, and jogging out to the centre, to look up and see my opponent for the day....Michael Aish, having a run in the 2's that day. I was assigned the tagging role on him for the day, and can verify that, while the Magarey Medal may have been around 16 years prior, all of those evasive skills were on display at the closest of range. I'd like to say I shut him down to a handful of possessions and beat him pointlessly, but unfortunately, my memory refuses to play those tricks on me. Suffice to say, still one of my most memorable days in football.