Former Norwood best and fairest winner and last year's Sandover Medallist Nik Rokahr has officially rejoined his old SANFL club just days out from the 2025 season and is available to play in Norwood's opening round clash against North Adelaide on Saturday night.
It follows months of negotiations between Norwood and WAFL club Swan District, who refused to clear Rokahr after he departed the club with a year left on his contract.
Rokahr, who played 73 games for Norwood between 2020 and 2023, played one season at the Swans before returning to Adelaide at the end of last season for personal reasons.
The dynamic midfielder quickly flagged his intentions to link up with his former club, completing pre-season training with the Redlegs despite the uncertainty surrounding his clearance.
It is a huge coup for Norwood on the eve of the season as they set about avenging last year's agonising grand final loss to Glenelg.
Rokahr won two club best-and-fairests in his previous stint with the Redlegs and twice finished runner-up in the Magarey Medal as one of the competition's premier midfielders.
He enjoyed a superb season for the Swans in 2024, averaging 30 disposals and four tackles per game to tie for the Sandover Medal and lead his side to the preliminary final.
Speaking to the Norwood website, Rokahr expressed his gratitude at finally being able to pull on the red and blue in 2025.
"I would like to thank Norwood for all the work they have done over the past few months to help make this happen," Rokahr said.
"I can't wait to be back in the Norwood guernsey. I love the club, the coaches, the staff and the players. So many Norwood people have done so much for me and to have the pleasure to play there again is amazing."
Norwood General Manager of Football Richard Kelly spoke glowingly of Rokahr and the impact he could have at Norwood this season.
"To welcome a player of Nik's calibre back into the midfield mix is fantastic," Kelly said.
"Nik has been looking forward to coming back to Norwood and now that it's official we can get on with a big 2025."
Facing a hefty injury list to start the season, Norwood will need Rokahr to hit the ground running to cover for some key absences in the midfield.
Ben Simpson will miss the opening fortnight with a foot injury while Baynen Lowe remains sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered during his training stint with Fremantle.
On the positive side, Finn Heard, Matt Ling, Mitch O'Neill and Jackson Callow are all set to take the field on Saturday night after overcoming injury issues in the pre-season matches.
Off-season recruits Charlie Molan, Tom McCallum, Mitch Nicholas and Connor Ling are all likely to make their club debut against the Roosters.
