Australian Football

A versatile, long-kicking player who could hold down any key position, Norm Cockram began his senior career with Northcote after the first World War. In 1922 he moved to Fitzroy, and after spending a season or so finding his feet he developed into a decided acquisition. He was at centre half forward in 1923 when the side lost the Grand Final to Essendon, and in later years he became acknowledged as one of the league's finest full backs. Between 1929 and 1931 Cockram played at Northcote once more as the Brickfielders emerged as a force in the Association for the first time.

The 1929 season brought the club's first ever VFA flag, with Cockram playing a key role at full back in the comfortable 42-point Grand Final win over Port Melbourne. The 1930 and 1931 seasons brought further Grand Final appearances for both Northcote and Cockram, but Oakleigh proved too strong on both occasions. In 1932, Norm Cockram returned to Fitzroy for two last seasons of senior football, bringing his final tally of VFL games to 120. He also booted 82 goals, most of them early in his career, when he spent a lot of time on the forward line.

Author - John Devaney