Norwood have announced the signing of recently delisted Port Adelaide defender Tom McCallum for the 2025 SANFL campaign.
McCallum was delisted in September after two years on the Power's AFL list in which he was unable to break through for senior selection.
Originally from Clarence in Tasmania, McCallum was taken with Pick 36 in the 2022 National Draft following an impressive U18 National Championships.
McCallum played 30 SANFL games in his time at Port Adelaide, quickly settling in as a reliable and consistent fixture of the Magpies' outfit.
Spending much of his first season at Alberton in defence as a rebounding half-back, McCallum showed his versatility by playing more time on the wing in 2024.
The 20-year-old averaged 11 disposals, three marks and two rebound 50s across 13 games for the Magpies this season.
McCallum's potential was on full display in the Round 13 win over North Adelaide, gathering 16 disposals, six inside 50s and kicking two goals.
Standing at 193cm, McCallum possesses the speed and agility to launch attacking forays and the strength to compete aerially in one-on-one contests, making him a difficult match-up for opposition forwards.
Following the departure of club stalwarts Mitch and Brodie Carrol over the off-season, McCallum looms as an important defensive cover that will give new coach Jade Sheedy plenty of options down back.
With a bevy of fellow Tasmanians already at Norwood stemming from former coach Jade Rawlings' time at the club, McCallum has already linked up with several former teammates.
Starting his pre-season training with the Redlegs on Monday night, McCallum told the Norwood website he is feeling good about his new home.
โI feel great about signing with Norwood. It was great pulling the new colours on last night,โ McCallum said.
โI have a couple of mates that already play at Norwood in George McLeod and Dom White and I know about the club's rich history. I am looking forward to getting stuck in.
โI like to use my speed and overhead marking ability but I also like to play a lockdown role.โ
Norwood Football Operations Manager Richard Kelly praised the new recruit's versatility and the form he showed with Port Adelaide last season.
โWe think Tom is a great fit for our club,โ Kelly said.
โHe played some really good games for the Magpies in 2024 and we are excited to see what he can do in Norwood colours next season.โ
McCallum joins former Gold Coast forward Will Rowlands and Sturt midfielder Charlie Molan as new recruits at the Parade for 2025 as they look to bounce back from last season's grand final defeat against Glenelg.
