Australian Football

Son of former South Melbourne and Richmond player John Pitura, Mark Pitura joined Richmond from Turvey Park in 1991, having that same year earned Teal Cup All Australian selection whilst playing for New South Wales. After working his way up from the under 19s with the Tigers he made his senior AFL debut in the opening round of the 1993 season, but he failed to consolidate his place in the team, and played just once more before being de-listed at the end of the 1994 season. Unsuccessful stints at Essendon and Collingwood followed, and midway through the 1996 season he found his way to Sturt.

Mobile, strong overhead, and a fine kick, especially with his favoured left foot, Pitura quickly established himself with the Blues, playing chiefly either on a wing or half back flank. His eventual tally of 90 games with the club included the losing grand final of 1998 against Port Magpies. Over the course of his six season SANFL career he booted 23 goals, and can be adjudged somewhat unfortunate that he elected to retire a year before the Double Blues broke through for their first flag in 26 years.

Author - John Devaney