Life Member
Inducted 2001
Malcolm Ashwood rapidly became known only as ‘Rulebook’, joined ‘the Blacks’ in 1984 and immediately made his mark as a hard working, loyal and committed Club member.
Malcolm enjoyed being involved in all aspects of ‘the Blacks’ and had strong opinions on most topics – usually well founded from his many experiences with other clubs, particularly Payneham Cricket Club. He was on the Management Committee in 1986 and 1987, from 1991 to 1993 and from 2000 to 2015. During this time he also served on the Social Committee in 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991.
‘Rulebook’ would be one of the few Club members who could confidently say he was known (and knew) every other player. His raffle money collection strategy at post-game presentations ‘Hold Your Bowlies’ was as infamous as it was successful, with his quote of: “Gizza dollar! What recession?!” helping to raise ‘the Blacks’ valuable funds in tight economic times.
Malcolm played 124 games from 1984 to 1993, kicking 34 goals. Highlights included playing in two Premiership sides – the A8 side in 1986 and the A11’s in 1990. This latter team won the ‘Long’un’ Wilson Trophy as the Club’s best performed team that season. In this year he won Best Team Man trophy and won this award again in 1992 with the A7 team. Other trophies included the Most Consistent in A11 (1987) and Best and Fairest in A8 (1991), the year he captained the side.
The Management Committee gave him opportunities to test his many theories on football when appointed coach of the A11’s in 1988 and coach of the Inter-Varsity team in 1992.
In his times at ‘the Blacks’ his commitment to all facets of club life have been recognised. Malcolm was awarded Club Letters in 1986 and Outstanding Service trophies in 1985 and 1991. His efforts have warranted one of these awards every year.
Malcolm deservedly won the Best Club Man award in 1992 for many years of commitment to ‘the Blacks’. In addition to these honours, ‘Rulebook’ won the coveted J.T. Goose Memorial Trophy in 1984.
Malcolm was awarded Life Membership in 2001.
Malcolm has been one of the life-bloods of the ‘Greys’ as its unofficial Membership Officer. His persistence in this area had raised many $1000’s for the Club. Malcolm continued active involvement in ‘the Blacks’ for many seasons after playing retirement by umpiring the lower grade teams.
Malcolm Ashwood has been a unique and committed member of the Adelaide University Football Club.