Shepparton export returns to SANFL stable after AFL delisting

Boyd joined Norwood initially in 2021, three years after he won the Goulburn Valley League premiership with the Bears in 2018.

The towering footballer also featured for the Murray Bushrangers as a junior draft prospect.

Boyd played four consecutive years at the Redlegs before he was signed as a Supplemental Selection Period pick-up by St Kilda last summer, with the latter year of his tenure seeing the 198cm ruckman claim the league best and fairest, the Magarey Medal.

The 27-year-old has also won a premiership at the club in 2022 as well as best-on-ground honours in that match, two club best and fairests, and selection in interleague state games against the VFL and teams of the year.

Boyd said he was excited to pull on the navy blue and red for 2026 and 2027, after signing a two-year deal with the club.

“Norwood means a lot to me, and to be able to achieve what I have already at the club, especially the premiership in 2022, it does mean a lot, but it’s the people within the club that mean the most,” Boyd said.

“Everyone from the players and coaches to the admin staff.

“You form those bonds, which I’ve really missed over the past 12 months.

“Once the 2025 season was over, I had a think about what was next, but being at Adelaide Oval watching the SANFL prelim, it really sparked my interest in returning to Norwood.

“I have the drive, and I realised that I was keen to get back to the SANFL and play for Norwood again.”

Despite the disappointment of his AFL delisting, Boyd said the experience gained was invaluable.

“It was a great experience, it does have its challenges, but to live out this lifestyle and form some great connections within the AFL industry, it will stand me in good stead moving forward,” he said.

The list at The Parade will be bolstered by Boyd’s signature, with the Redlegs hoping to improve on a season that fell two points shy of a grand final ticket.