Many folks who grew up in Gawler will fondly remember Teddy Allwood in his twilight years as the gentle old man who with often gave many kids in the Gawler South area a lift to school in his old EK Holden - sometimes a frightening traffic hazard!

But a long time before that, Ted began as a junior at South in 1912 before becoming one of our first great strongmen. Of African-American descent, unusual for the time, he was a fearsome key defender, loyal club administator and a cult hero.

By 1919 Allwood had emerged through the seconds as a strong and skillful footballer, often described as the "protector" of the team who would earn a whole week's wage in the travelling boxing tent. Scribes of the time regularly talked about the fear that Ted and teammate Bill Glastonbury generated in opposition sides. Allwood was the muscle in some great sides boasting famous names such as Alf Butcher, Sylvester May, Charlie Nottle, Alan Pearce and Clarrie Hampel. Ted was an honest and fair bloke, but he also knew how to handle himself - very well.

Ted regularly represented the GFA - outstanding against South Adelaide, the United Churches Association, and the North Eastern Association. After playing in the 1920 premiership, he announced his retirement from senior footy with a number of other famous names, only to pull on the boots again and prove to be integral to a hat-trick of flags that began our golden age, although he missed out playing in a fourth successive flag in 1924 due to injury.

After finally retiring, Ted stayed on at the club with stints as Chairman and Secretary up until 1938.

Posthumously, in 1979 the club sent a letter presenting Life membership to local identity Edward "Teddy" Allwood for his 90th birthday. An outstanding role model both at the club and in the community.