Such is the Aish legacy with the Norwood Football Club, James Aish’s two SANFL premierships as a teenager would just be a chapter in the family’s storied connection with the ‘Redlegs’.
He played at Norwood alongside his cousin Jesse, and in 2012 he became the first SANFL premiership player under 17 years of age.
Michael Aish (uncle of James) is a 300-game player who captained the Club from 1987 to 1989. His father, Andrew, won a premiership with Norwood and his grandfather, Peter, played over 150 games and represented South Australia on five occasions.
On Friday, James Aish returns to Norwood as an AFL player, when Fremantle take on Gold Coast as a part of Gather Round.
In a media conference on Friday at the ground, Aish reflected on his childhood memories of the ground.
“The first thing I remember about Norwood Oval is watching (family) highlights and seeing people standing shoulder to shoulder, I think that’s one of the coolest things about the suburban grounds, hopefully that can happen again tomorrow.” Aish said.
“I came here every time the senior men were training when I was 14 or 15, and I’d be up in the stands kicking the ball around and trying to be here as much as possible because they were my idols growing up.
“Then to be able to play in a couple of premierships for the club was amazing and I’ll be connected here forever.”
Tickets for the game have sold out, with up to 10,500 spectators expected on the day.
Aish said seeing Norwood Oval packed with fans would bring back from fond memories.
“Some of the best memories playing SANFL footy were the Friday night games here,” Aish said.
“To hear it’s close to selling out is really exciting and the atmosphere, no matter how many Freo fans or neutral fans there are, it’s going to be amazing and hopefully it’s a great night for everyone.
“They’ve done an amazing job here so we’re all really looking forward to it.”
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