23/09/2026
Congratulations Josh on an absolute stellar career with Sturt Football Club.
Thank You, Josh Hone 💙
After 228 SANFL games and 322 goals, Josh Hone has announced his retirement from SANFL football following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Debuting for Sturt in Round 15, 2014 as player #1204, the Mt Lofty Devils junior has gone on to build an outstanding career in the Double Blue across 13 seasons.
A dangerous and reliable presence in Sturt’s forward line, Josh finishes his career as a three-time League Premiership Player (2016, 2017 and 2025), a three-time Rick Davies Medallist (2019, 2023 and 2025) and a two-time member of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year (2023 and 2025). He also represented South Australia at senior level in 2018, 2023 and 2026 and earned SANFL Player Life Membership.
Across more than a decade at League level, Josh’s competitiveness, goal sense and ability to deliver in big moments have made him an important part of an incredibly successful period in the Club’s history.
🗣 Senior Coach Marty Mattner said:
“Josh has been the best small forward in the SANFL over the past decade and will go down as one of the greatest small forwards the competition has seen. His ability around goal speaks for itself, but what people outside the group don’t always see is how competitive he is, how hard he works and how much he cares about his teammates and the Club.”
“To play more than 200 games, kick more than 300 goals and be part of three premierships is an incredible career. He’s given everything to Sturt and has been someone we’ve been able to rely on in big moments. We’re incredibly grateful for what Josh has contributed and proud of everything he has achieved.”
From a young Mt Lofty forward making his League debut in 2014 to a multiple premiership player, state representative and SANFL Life Member, Josh leaves an enormous legacy in the Double Blue.
Thank you, Josh Hone, for more than a decade of commitment, memories and goals in the #5.
Once a Double Blue, always a Double Blue. 💙🩵
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