Michael Aish: Norwood Icon and South Australian Football Royalty
A member of one of South Australia’s most celebrated football families, Michael C. Aish is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats of the Norwood Football Club and a legend of the SANFL. Known for his elegance, skill, and unwavering loyalty, Aish’s impact on the game extends far beyond his individual accolades.
Born into football greatness, Michael was the second son of Norwood captain and coach Peter Aish. Football ran through the family’s veins: his older brother Andrew also played for Norwood, while his younger sister Susan excelled in netball and softball at the state level. Michael’s sporting pedigree was unmistakable, but he forged his own legacy through extraordinary talent and dedication.
Aish burst onto the SANFL scene with Norwood and quickly established himself as a star. In 1981, at just 20 years old, he claimed the prestigious Magarey Medal—awarded to the league’s fairest and most brilliant player—becoming one of the youngest winners in history. His silky skills, composure under pressure, and football intelligence set him apart in a fiercely competitive era.
Despite frequent and lucrative offers to move to the VFL (now AFL), Aish remained loyal to Norwood and South Australian football. Alongside his great friend and teammate Garry McIntosh, he was a figurehead of the SANFL’s resistance to the player drain to Victoria. The controversial SANFL player retention scheme helped keep stars like Aish at home, but it was his passion for Norwood that truly anchored him.
Aish was instrumental in Norwood’s premiership triumphs in 1982 and 1984, the latter of which saw the Redlegs make history by claiming the flag from fifth position—a feat never before achieved in the SANFL. He captained the club from 1987 to 1989 and was a four-time recipient of Norwood’s best and fairest award (1981, 1983, 1984, and 1992), matching the achievement of his father Peter, who won the honor in 1960.
Beyond club football, Aish was a champion at state level. He donned the South Australian jumper 15 times in interstate competition, captaining the side in 1986 and 1989, and earning All-Australian selection in 1983 and 1986—affirming his status as one of the finest players in the nation.
Michael Aish’s influence on the game has continued through his son Jesse, who also represented Norwood at senior level, further extending the Aish family’s deep connection to the club.
A true icon of South Australian football, Michael Aish’s legacy is one of brilliance, loyalty, and an enduring commitment to the red and blue of Norwood.
Playing Career
Norwood 1979-93
Games
307
Goals
449
Player honours
- 15 games for South Australia (Captain 1986 and 1989)
- Magarey Medal 1981
- 2x SANFL Premierships 1982, 1984
- 3x All Australian 1983, 1984, 1986 (dual state-matches per year era)
- 4x Best and Fairest 1981, 1983, 1984, 1992
- Fos Williams Medal 1983; Captain 1987-89
- Norwood FC Hall of Fame Legend
- SANFL Hall of Fame
- Australian Football Hall of Fame Inductee 2023
