Matthew Nunn announces his retirement

Norwood Premiership Captain Matthew Nunn has announced his retirement from SANFL football, following 109 senior matches in the red and blue.

Nunn has played most of his football at The Parade – starting in the club’s junior program, before making his Senior debut in 2014 (at the age of 16) and eventually bringing up the 100-game milestone in Round 9 this year.

He has captained the club since 2021 and lifted the Premiership Cup following last season’s one point Grand Final win over North Adelaide.

This season Nunn split the captaincy duties with co-captain Jacob Kennerley, and announced his retirement at seasons’ end.

“Mentally, I know it’s time to move on as I don’t have the motivation and commitment required to continue at SANFL level,” Nunn said.

“Whilst it has been a big decision for me, I am extremely excited about the next chapter of my life that is taking shape.

“Thank you to the NFC community, supporters, coaches, support staff and players for making my journey so enjoyable over the many years.

“I was fortunate enough to come through the junior program and progress all the way through to captaining a League premiership.

“I will be forever grateful for the relationships and memories created that will last a lifetime.

“The club has been a massive part of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today in which I am extremely grateful for.”

Nunn said the 2022 Premiership, captaining the club, and passing the 100-game milestone were the highlights of his career.

“To play 100 games for the club is special, I feel like I have been around forever,” he said.

“I will get my name on the No. 14 locker underneath Garry McIntosh which is special, with a Premiership asterisk next to it.

“When I first started at Norwood it was a goal of mine to Captain the club and play 100 games – to tick both of those off I am really proud of myself.

“Captaincy and 100 games means a lot, but the main one is the Premiership – that’s all we play for and it was an amazing moment last year to get that.”

Nunn is the second Norwood player to announce his retirement this season, with Mitch Wilkins informing the playing group ahead of the Round 18 game against the Crows.

Norwood Coach Jade Rawlings thanked Nunn for his contribution to the football club.

“Nunny has been a terrific Norwood person in my three years at the club,” Rawlings said.

“He has grown as a person, player and leader. He has shown resilience in how he has dealt with setbacks, put his body on the line at key times, and has also made big plays at critical times on field.

“He walks away as a 100-game player, premiership player, premiership captain and most importantly, a respected contributor to our club.

“I consider him a personal friend and wish he and Millie all the best in the future.”

Club CEO James Fantasia congratulated Nunn on a great SANFL career.

“Matt has been a wonderful contributor to the Norwood Football Club,” Fantasia said.

“A local boy who come through the underage teams, culminating in Captaining the Club and becoming a Premiership Captain in 2022.

“He will always remain a favourite son of the Norwood Family, I congratulate him on a wonderful career and wish him every success for his future endeavours.”