Thank You, Charlie Parker
With 33 SANFL games* and 17 goals* in the Double Blue to date, Charlie Parker has announced he will retire from SANFL football at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Debuting in Round 5, 2021 as player #1269, Charlie quickly established himself as a skillful and versatile member of the Double Blues. A Goodwood Saints junior who came to Sturt via Adelaide University, Charlie’s performances earned him an opportunity at AFL level with the Western Bulldogs before returning to the Club.
Across his time at Sturt, Charlie has been a highly respected teammate and leader, serving in the Club’s Leadership Group in both 2023 and 2026. His professionalism, football IQ and ability to impact the game on the wing have made him a valued contributor both on and off the field.
Senior Coach Marty Mattner said:
“Charlie has been a fantastic person to have around our football club. He’s a selfless teammate, a respected leader and someone who has always put the team first. His work on the wing has given us real drive and balance, and he’s been a consistent presence in helping us move the ball and set up our play. We know he still has an important role to play for us this season, and we’re looking forward to seeing him finish his career strongly in the Double Blue.”
Charlie will continue to play out the remainder of the season, with plenty still to achieve before his final game.
We thank Charlie for his dedication, leadership and commitment to Sturt Football Club and look forward to celebrating his contribution when the season comes to a close.
Proudly Sponsored by Chambo Choir.
Thank You, Rory Illman
With 104 SANFL games* and 3 goals* in the Double Blue to date, Rory Illman has announced he will retire from SANFL football at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Debuting in Round 10, 2019 as player #1247, Rory’s journey with Sturt began well before his League debut. A Mitcham Hawks junior, he was part of Sturt’s 2017 Under 18 Premiership side and was recognised as the Under 18 Best Club Man that same year before progressing through the Club’s senior ranks.
Since making his League debut, Rory has built a reputation as a tough, dependable and team-first defender. His consistency across his career saw him finish Runner Up in the P.T. Morton Medal in 2021, while his commitment to his teammates was recognised with the 2024 Bob Marshall Best Team Man Award. Rory was also a member of Sturt’s 2023 League Grand Final side.
Senior Coach Marty Mattner said:
“Rory is the type of player every coach wants in their team. He’s tough, reliable and always puts the team first. You know exactly what you’re going to get from him every week, and the way he competes and supports the players around him has made him such a respected member of our group. He still has an important role to play for us this season and we’re looking forward to seeing him finish his career strongly.”
Rory will continue to play out the remainder of the season, with plenty still to achieve before his final game.
We thank Rory for his dedication, toughness and commitment to Sturt Football Club and look forward to celebrating his contribution when the season comes to a close.
Proudly Sponsored by Marshall & Brougham
Thank You, Daniel Fahey-Sparks
With 110 SANFL games* and 66 goals* in the Double Blue to date, Daniel Fahey-Sparks has announced he will retire from SANFL football at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Debuting in Round 19, 2018 as player #1241, Daniel has become a much-loved and versatile member of the Double Blues. A Glenunga Rams junior, his Sturt journey began in the Reserves, where he was part of the Club’s 2017 Reserves Premiership before establishing himself at League level.
Throughout his career, Daniel’s ability to play a number of roles across the ground has made him an important part of the Sturt side. His development was recognised with the Len Fitzgerald Most Improved Player Award in 2019, while he went on to feature in the 2023 League Grand Final and became a League Premiership Player in 2025.
Senior Coach Marty Mattner said:
“Daniel has given so much to this football club over a long period of time. His versatility has been a huge strength for us, whether we’ve needed him in the ruck, forward or around the ground, and he’s always been willing to do whatever the team needs. He’s a great teammate, a fierce competitor and someone who is highly respected within our group. We know there’s still plenty of football to be played this season and we’re looking forward to seeing him finish his career strongly.”
Daniel will continue to play out the remainder of the season, with plenty still to achieve before his final game.
We thank Daniel for his dedication, versatility and commitment to Sturt Football Club and look forward to celebrating his contribution when the season comes to a close.
Proudly Sponsored by POSTY
Thank You, Amy Brooks-Birve
After 56 SANFLW games and 31 goals in the Double Blue, Amy Brooks-Birve has announced her retirement from SANFLW football.
Debuting in Round 5, 2020 as player #54, Amy has been an important part of the Sturt Women’s program across seven seasons. A Goodwood Saints junior and former captain, Amy established herself as a strong and versatile contributor, playing both forward and in the ruck throughout her career.
A consistent presence around goal, Amy currently sits second for the most goals kicked in the history of the Sturt SANFLW program, a significant achievement and reflection of the impact she has made on the field.
Her influence, however, has extended well beyond her football. A member of the Leadership Group from 2022 through to 2026, Amy has played an integral role in shaping the culture of the program, supporting her teammates and helping create an environment where those around her could thrive.
Her contribution was also recognised with the Most Improved Player Award in 2020, while she was part of Sturt’s 2022 SANFLW Grand Final side.
Women’s Football Coordinator Jackson Lane said:
“Amy’s impact on our program goes well beyond what she has achieved on the football field. She’s been a really valuable and versatile player for us, but it’s the influence she’s had on the people around her that will leave the biggest legacy. Amy has helped shape the culture of our program through her leadership, care for her teammates and willingness to give so much back to the group. She’ll be greatly missed around the Club and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has given to Sturt.”
We thank Amy for her dedication, leadership and outstanding contribution to Sturt Football Club, both on and off the field, and congratulate her on a wonderful SANFLW career.
We wish Amy all the very best for what comes next.
Proudly Sponsored by University Senior College
Watch Amy interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzkakiOt7g&t=284s
