Norwood FC CEO James Fantasia announces retirement

The Norwood Football Club today announce that James Fantasia has advised the club of his intention to retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective 30 June 2025.

James has been an integral part of the Norwood Football Club for many decades.  He first served the club by playing Junior, Reserves and then League football between 1981 and 1984.  During this time, he also represented South Australia in the 1982 Teal Cup held in Brisbane. He extended his playing career with the Woodville Warriors before returning to Norwood as a Technical Development Officer in 1988.

James went on to establish himself nationally as a highly regarded football administrator holding senior roles with the SANFL, the Adelaide Football Club, the Western Bulldogs Football Club and the Hawthorn Football Club in a distinguished AFL career. He returned to The Parade in 2014, serving on the Norwood Football Club Football Committee and then becoming the club’s Chief Executive Officer in 2016.

His dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the club’s members, staff, and broader community have been invaluable. His tenure as Norwood’s CEO has seen a period of sustained high performance including premiership success.

“James has played a pivotal role in shaping our club to become the benchmark of the SANFL in many respects, and we sincerely thank him for his years of service,” said Norwood Football Club President Paul Di Iulio.

“We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and appreciate his support in ensuring a smooth transition for the club’s future leadership.”

James Fantasia said, “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be part of the Norwood Football Club. Norwood was the centre of my universe, growing up and to have represented the club both as a player and administrator has been incredibly rewarding, something I will cherish forever.

“The Norwood way has always been about putting the club first. I want to sincerely thank everyone I have had the pleasure of working with, from the Board to the coaches and players, but most importantly, the incredible office staff — the team behind the team. Thank you.”

The Board will now commence a process to identify the next Chief Executive Officer who will lead the Norwood Football Club into its next chapter.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Di Iulio, Norwood Football Club President – 0418 856 085