Sutherland Sharks’ Quiet Achiever

As we celebrate the Socceroo’s qualification for Brazil, spare a thought for the hundreds of elite players who week in week out display their wares to the football public but rarely receive the accolades they deserve.

One such performer is Sutherland’s defensive midfielder and captain Nick Stavroulakis, who has given valiant service to the mighty Sharks since 2007 and for the last two years was selected in the NSW Premier League team of the season.

While Australia narrowly defeated Iraq, with most of the players turning in fairly ordinary performances, the question has to be asked why Nick Stavroulakis never even received an A- League contract.

His career in football started positively when Kelly Cross, the current FFA Assistant Technical Director, selected him at the tender age of fifteen for NSWIS. At the time Stavroulakis was playing for Sydney Olympic u/15’s  and at NSWIS  he  locked horns with well-known figures  Adam Federici, Jess Van Stratten and Anthony Doumanis who were two years his senior.

“The time at NSWIS was invaluable in my football development but two years later when Steve O’Connor recruited me for the AIS, I could now see a definite pathway in the game”, says Stavroulakis.

“O’Connor and Ray Junna at the AIS had a big influence on my playing style, particularly O’Connor who was the master defender”.

In 2003, Stavroulakis was signed by Parramatta Power but was subsequently selected in an AIS squad which competed in a tournament in Italy where he was spotted and signed by Serie A outfit, Empoli. He remained for eighteen months, playing mainly in the youth team with the occasional appearance in the reserves.

He also received his first international honours when he played for the Australian u/20 team in qualifying matches for the 2003 WYC under Ange Postecoglou but unfortunately wasn’t selected for the final series.

His romance at Empoli ended when the club was relegated and there was a clean out of players but in the interim he had returned to Australia to play for Wollongong Wolves under the expert tutelage of mercurial, former Socceroo, Adrian Alston.

“Nick was totally committed with an amazing professional attitude and strong self-belief in his ability”, says Alston.

“He also exhibited a tempered aggression usually associated with players well beyond his years”.

After finishing at Empoli, Stavroulakis spent eighteen months with Peterborough United in English League 2.

“It was very physical football and demanding on the body as we often played two or three times a week but certainly kept me in good stead for the future”, relates Stavroulakis.

Meanwhile, Stavroulakis trialled with Sydney FC in the first year of the A-League but he failed to gain a contract under Pierre Littbarski.

In 2009 he was offered a two week trial by Frank Farina at Brisbane Roar, However, when Farina’s services were terminated in controversial circumstances shortly after, the Stavroulakis dream to play A- League football was once again denied.

Similarly, there are many players in the NSW Premier League who just don’t seem to make the grade and one suspects the players aren’t being looked at by local or interstate A- League coaches.

“They’re a number of players in the Premier League who could step up to the plate if they were given the chance to train fulltime and play in the A- League”, says Stavroulakis.

“Look at Panny Nikas from the Sharks who was A- League Youth Player of the year in 2009/10 and since playing for North Queensland”.

“This year he’s scored fifteen goals from midfield in thirteen matches, I don’t know what else he has to do but he has been in great form”.

“Also there’s Glen Trifiro from Sydney United 58, Matthew Sim from Manly, Ricky Zucco from Wollongong and Richie Cardozo from Rockdale who are all having good seasons”.

“From Sutherland we have seventeen year olds Nick Olsen and Chris Naumoff who I feel sure will make the grade if given the opportunity”.

“These players should at least be given trials by A-League clubs and who knows they might be as successful as Mark Bridge, Nikolai Topor- Stanley, Adam D’Appuzo and Shannon Cole whose careers were resurrected by Western Sydney Wanderers”.

At the moment, Stavroulakis is enjoying his football with the Sharks  and is playing as well as ever in a team which is undefeated in its last ten matches and currently the league leaders of the competition.

His performance in the recent match against Sydney Olympic was outstanding as he dominated possession in front of his back four and played several defence splitting passes behind the Olympic midfield.

“Coach, Robbie Stanton has developed us into a ball playing side from the back and this style is also promoted in the youth teams”.

“I have great attacking players in front of me so I ‘m happy to protect the back four and try to win the ball to ensure a quick transition into attack”.

It seems like Stavroulakis has been playing since eternity and at the tender age of twenty eight he believes if he looks after his body, he can play professionally till at least thirty five.

“This League is developing all the time and with the A- League youth league players also participating the standard is rising because it allows them to play all the year and get even better”.

Robbie Stanton has this to say about his captain.

“Nick is playing the perfect skipper’s role, revealing great leadership qualities”.

“He is one of the most consistent performers in the League and in his number 6 role he is getting better and better, showing extreme durability as he looks after himself with perfect preparation on and off the park”.

“The supply of good ball he’s provided to Jamie McMaster and Panny Nikas has been vital to our success this season.”

If Nick Stavroulakis continues his present vein of form, there is every chance he will add many more premiership, grand final and Waratah Cup trophies to his cabinet in years to come.

Originally posted nswpl.com.au                                                                                                                                               25th June 2013

Share this post

Hi, would you like to chat with one of our physios?

Please provide your contact details and one of our experienced physiotherapists will give you a free, no obligation call to assist you with your query. 

m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
Tim merchant
Tim merchant
06:42 23 Apr 24
Really inviting staff, always ready to help. They know what they are talking about and facilites are wonderful.
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams
10:55 03 Apr 24
best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
G G
G G
16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
Lara Mangelli
Lara Mangelli
08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
Judith Gifford
Judith Gifford
06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
Georgia Manos
12:08 13 Dec 23
The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
06:36 13 Dec 23
The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
Luke Payne
Luke Payne
22:05 12 Dec 23
Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
Diane sutton
21:58 12 Dec 23
I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
Nicole Simpson
10:53 12 Dec 23
Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
BERGE GABO
BERGE GABO
09:28 12 Dec 23
"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
Corinne Favaloro
04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
Nicole Di noia
Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
Steve Chidgey
Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
Angelina Mastoris
Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
See All Reviews
js_loader

Hi, would you like to chat with one of our physios?

Please provide your contact details and one of our experienced physiotherapists will give you a free, no obligation call to assist you with your query.