[2] He was just 16 when he was recruited to South Melbourne through the club's Riverina zone by coach Norm Smith and he eventually made his league debut in 1969, ironically against Richmond.
A left footed half forward flanker and centreman, Pitura represented Victoria at interstate football in 1973.
At the conclusion of the 1973 season, due to a strained relationship with the board, Pitura came close to leaving the club but remained on their books for the following year.
Richmond attempted to trade Pitura to their club at the year's end but the South Melbourne committee refused to clear him.
After Pitura threatened to challenge the league's clearance rules in court, South Melbourne relented and traded him to Richmond in 1975.