Vale John Blunden

SANFL is mourning the passing of Player Life Member John Blunden.

Awarded SANFL Player Life Membership in 1959, John played 141 League matches for North Adelaide between 1949 and 1958.

A dual League premiership player for the Roosters in 1949 and 1952, the reliable defender also won consecutive League best-and-fairest awards in 1956 and 1957.

Representing South Australia in 1951, John turned his attention to administration upon his retirement from donning his beloved red and white.

Serving on North’s management committee for nine years, he was vice-president in 1971 and president in 1972 – the year North not only won the SANFL premiership but also claimed the Champions of Australia title against Carlton. John continued to act as club president until 1975.

Awarded North Adelaide FC Life Membership in 1959, John was also a valued member of the Roosters’ Hall of Fame selection committee from 2015.

SANFL extends its deepest sympathy to the Blunden family as it honours John’s outstanding service to the game in South Australia.