Andrew Osborn
Encyclopedia
Andrew Osborn is a former Australian rules football
er who played with the South Adelaide Football Club
in the South Australian National Football League
(SANFL).
After beginning his football with local club Reynella, Andrew quickly established himself at South Adelaide in a very competitive U17 team by winning the trophy for the Most Consistent Player in 1988. Then, in the following year, he not only won the W.J. Mahoney Cup for the best and fairest in South Adelaide's U17’s, but also the McCallum Medal for best and fairest in the SANFL U17 competition.
Progressing through the grades, Andrew was instrumental in South Adelaide’s win in the 1991 Reserves Grand Final and his football prowess naturally attracted the interest of two AFL clubs (Geelong in 1993 and Port Adelaide Football Club
in 1998 (Zone Selection) ), but Andrew was kept from performing on that stage by long term injuries. The self-discipline, dedication and perseverance which he showed to overcome these difficulties and to reach the pinnacle of the SANFL competition were qualities that had long been recognised as an integral part of his game.
Andrew was a great team-man, and his appointment as South Adelaide captain from 1998–2000 recognised his skills as a leader and the respect in which he was held by his fellow team-mates and the club as a whole. In 1998, the award of the |Magarey Medal
, and his selection in the state side, were clear indications that this same respect was afforded him by the wider South Australian community. William Magarey wanted his medal to reward players who were not only brilliant and fair, but who demonstrated the ‘power of endeavour’ and had the drive to succeed; as a vice-president himself of the South Adelaide Football Club, Magarey would have been delighted that these qualities were to be found in Andrew, who for many supporters redefined the concept of the ‘Ossie battler.’
When he retired from league football at the end of 2000, he had played 115 games and kicked 93 goals for the Panthers.
In late 2007 Andrew returned to his beloved Panthers in an off-field role, becoming the club's Marketing Manager.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played with the South Adelaide Football Club
South Adelaide Football Club
South Adelaide Football Club competes in the South Australian National Football League . Known as the Panthers, their home ground is Hickinbotham Oval , located in Noarlunga Downs in the southern suburbs of Adelaide....
in the South Australian National Football League
South Australian National Football League
The South Australian National Football League is an Australian rules football league based in the Australian state of South Australia. It is also the governing body for the sport of Australian rules football in South Australia....
(SANFL).
After beginning his football with local club Reynella, Andrew quickly established himself at South Adelaide in a very competitive U17 team by winning the trophy for the Most Consistent Player in 1988. Then, in the following year, he not only won the W.J. Mahoney Cup for the best and fairest in South Adelaide's U17’s, but also the McCallum Medal for best and fairest in the SANFL U17 competition.
Progressing through the grades, Andrew was instrumental in South Adelaide’s win in the 1991 Reserves Grand Final and his football prowess naturally attracted the interest of two AFL clubs (Geelong in 1993 and Port Adelaide Football Club
Port Adelaide Football Club
The Port Adelaide Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Alberton, South Australia, which plays in the Australian Football League and the South Australian National Football League...
in 1998 (Zone Selection) ), but Andrew was kept from performing on that stage by long term injuries. The self-discipline, dedication and perseverance which he showed to overcome these difficulties and to reach the pinnacle of the SANFL competition were qualities that had long been recognised as an integral part of his game.
Andrew was a great team-man, and his appointment as South Adelaide captain from 1998–2000 recognised his skills as a leader and the respect in which he was held by his fellow team-mates and the club as a whole. In 1998, the award of the |Magarey Medal
Magarey Medal
For the biography award of the same name, see Magarey Medal for biography. For a list of winners, see List of Magarey Medallists.The Magarey Medal is an Australian rules football honour awarded annually since 1898 to the fairest and most brilliant player in the South Australian National Football...
, and his selection in the state side, were clear indications that this same respect was afforded him by the wider South Australian community. William Magarey wanted his medal to reward players who were not only brilliant and fair, but who demonstrated the ‘power of endeavour’ and had the drive to succeed; as a vice-president himself of the South Adelaide Football Club, Magarey would have been delighted that these qualities were to be found in Andrew, who for many supporters redefined the concept of the ‘Ossie battler.’
When he retired from league football at the end of 2000, he had played 115 games and kicked 93 goals for the Panthers.
In late 2007 Andrew returned to his beloved Panthers in an off-field role, becoming the club's Marketing Manager.