Sturt forward Kory Beard has retired from the SANFL

STURT’S Kory Beard, who joined the club as a defender before becoming the go-to forward in the back-to-back premierships, will leave the club the work on his family farm on the Eyre Peninsula.

Sturt full forward Kory Beard. Picture: SARAH REED

STURT premiership hero Kory Beard has quit the SANFL to return to Eyre Peninsula to work on his family farm.

Beard told the players on Thursday before announcing his decision at the Double Blues’ best and fairest awards the following day.

“We always knew he wanted to go back (to Loch), it is a life decision,” Double Blues chief executive Sue Dewing said.

“Kory has been a terrific servant of the club and we have loved having him.”

Beard joined the Double Blues in 2014 as a defender after leaving Port Adelaide when it became the Power reserves.

He has played in the back-to-back premierships in the past two years as the go-to forward and this year was the state league’s most prolific goal kicker for the minor round and finals with 62.

Double Blues captain Zane Kirkwood claimed his fourth successive best and fairest award.

Three-times Ken Farmer Medallist Michael Wundke has retired after an impressive career with Woodville-West Torrens and South Adelaide.