In 1894 Tom Woods had become a regular member of the indomitable South A Grades who had scooped up the 1893 and 1894 premierships. In a super team that included the likes of Sid Coles, Toby Arthur and George Sanderson, incredibly Woods still shone out in the GFA who he regularly represented.

In 1893 Woods won the EH Hussey Medal for the best and fairest player in the GFA. with 142 votes out of 188. South polled very well in the count, so much so that teammate Toby Arthur also was runner up with 11votes.

For the 1894 season Tom was subsequently named Captain, and club favourite Len Robinson was his Vice Captain. Woods had an outstanding year again, attracting the attention of South Adelaide. He then tried out with and successfully played league footy with the Pnathers from 1895.