Neil Button

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Neil "The Bear" Button (born 28 July 1952) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Norwood Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) between 1971 and 1985. He played primarily as a ruckman.

Early life and education

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Neil Alexander "The Bear" Button was born on 28 July 1952 in Adelaide, South Australia.[1] He grew up with a passion for sport and academics, ultimately attending university to study education with a focus on mathematics and physical education while simultaneously forging a distinguished Australian rules football career.

During his youth, Button played junior football with local clubs before joining the Norwood Football Club’s under‑19s in 1970. He made his senior debut in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) for Norwood in 1971, beginning a decorated league career that spanned until 1985.[1]

Parallel to his athletic achievements, Button pursued higher education and earned a teaching qualification, launching his academic career at Wirreanda High School in South Australia while still playing professional football.[1]

SANFL career

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Button made his senior debut for Norwood in 1971. He played a total of 283 league games and kicked 163 goals. In addition, he played 11 reserves matches and 19 under-19 matches for the club.[2]

Premierships

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Button was part of Norwood’s premiership-winning teams in 1975, 1978, and 1982. In the 1975 SANFL Grand Final, he contributed to the club's win against Glenelg, which ended a long premiership drought for Norwood.[1]

State representation

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Between 1972 and 1979, Button represented South Australia in nine interstate matches.[2]

Playing style

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Button played primarily as a ruckman and was noted for his strong marking and physical presence. His performances in finals matches received attention in contemporary media reports.[1]

Honours

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Button served as Norwood’s vice-captain in 1978 and 1979. He was selected in the Advertiser Team of the Year in 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1981.

He was named at centre half-forward in Norwood’s Team of the Century and was inducted into the Norwood Football Club Hall of Fame in 2006.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Neil 'The Bear' Button – champion footballer, quality human being". Footy Almanac. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  2. ^ a b c "Neil Button". Redlegs Museum. Norwood Football Club. Retrieved 29 June 2025.