The 89-year-old, who passed away at his retirement village in Culburra on the NSW south coast last Sunday, grew up playing for South Melbourne and later became a foundation member of the Sydney Swans when the club moved north to the Harbour City.
Woodman, who lived 200 metres from Lakeside Oval as a child, first saw South Melbourne play in 1932. He then joined the club as a junior and played for the Swans in all age groups up to the reserves in 1941 and 1942, where he lined up as a full forward.
Woodman trained alongside the likes of Bloods legend Bob Pratt and Austin Robertson in the early 1940s, but his time at the club was cut short when he enlisted to serve his country when he turned 18 in 1942.
After the war, Woodman married his wife Irene and moved to Albury, where he played for Lavington Football Club in the Chiltern and District League.
Despite living in regional Victoria, Woodman remained committed to South Melbourne and continued his support for the club when the Swans moved interstate.
Woodman is survived by his daughters Kay and Ann and his seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Woodman during his playing days at South Melbourne. Source: Border Mail
