Sturt Football Club cheer squad member Craig Robinson farewelled after sudden death

His death was sudden and unexpected – now, friends and family are remembering colourful 44-year-old footy superfan Craig Robinson for all the love he shared.

Craig Robinson suddenly died after suffering a fall outside his home, with friends and family paying tribute to the well-known, ardent Sturt FC and Adelaide United member. Picture: Supplied

Sturt Football Club has many beloved sons, but according to those who knew him best, few were as colourful – and vocal – as Craig Robinson.

The 44-year-old from Athelstone unexpectedly died on Tuesday, after collapsing on his driveway the night before, taking himself to bed and never waking up.

News of his passing also sent tremors across his other family, Adelaide United’s Red Army, who issued a public statement calling him an “original” who “immersed himself in the local sports scene”.

The 44-year-old was remembered as a passionate football support, keen competitive poker player and fishing enthusiast. Picture: Supplied

“Anyone who knew Craig would have nothing but positive things to say about him with stories that could only bring a smile to your face,” the club said.

That was true according to those speaking with The Advertiser, who called him “full of beans”, “a big man with an even bigger heart”, and a football tragic of both codes who turned out in the stands “rain, hail or shine”.

Sturt FC cheerleading squad leader Tom Panozzo, 39, said that while roaming the home-ground, Mr Robinson would greet “two, three hundred people” with a hello, a cheerful comment, or fighting words for the team.

Mr Robinson (second from right) helping put together Sturt Football Club’s banner. Picture: Supplied

Mr Robinson was a well-known personality in the club, often greeting hundreds of people in the course of a game. Picture: Supplied

“He was one of those people who you couldn’t really forget … He was always there, and you could be feeling sad for whatever reason, and somehow, Craig was able to turn it around,” Mr Panozzo said.

“We won back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017, and it was the first one since 2002, and afterwards, when we were celebrating, we saw the happiness on his face and we could just feel that too.”

Older sister Jeanette Grintzias, 42, said that towards the end of his life, her brother was taking care of their ill mother while also battling lung disease.

She is currently raising money to cover funeral costs and install a memorial plaque at Sturt’s home-ground in Unley.

“Everyone could hear him at games … I’m getting calls from people who didn’t even know him, but knew who he was just because he was so passionate,” Ms Grintzias said.

Mr Robinson’s friend from the Australian Poker League, Jason Brown, 35, was one of the last people to spend time with him, having dropped him off home last Monday after a night of cards and watching football.

He said that Mr Robinson had a talent of making anyone feel welcome in a room, and people from many walks of life had been brought together by his passing.

“You don’t know what’s supposed to happen in life, but you shouldn’t die at 44 … he was just too young,” he said.

Mr Robinson is survived by Ms Grintzias, another sister, Celeste Robinson, and mother Margaret. A funeral will be held in the coming weeks.

Originally published as Sturt Football Club cheer squad member Craig Robinson farewelled after sudden death