MICHAEL ATHANASIOU

 

Saints Veteran Centre half back Michael Athanasiou played his 304th NTFL League game on the 28th of December 1998 against Southern Districts to overtake the previous NTFL Games Record of 303 games held by NTFL Representative and Southern Districts coach Mark Motlop.

Michael made his senior debut for St Marys in 1980/81 after a successful junior career. He was NT Secondary Schoolboy representative in 1979 and Teal Cup representative in1980.

He has been a member of 12 League premierships with St Marys 5 in a row from 1983/84 to 1987/88, 3 in a row from 1989/90 to 1991/92 and 4 in a row from 1993/94 to 1996/97). Michael was a member of Saints 1981/82, 1982/83, 1992/93, 1997/98 and 1998/99 Grand Final teams.

Michael was club captain from 1991/92 to 1994/95 winning the clubs Best and Fairest aware in 1982/83, 1983/84 and 1990/91.

Michael was the recipient of the prestigious Nichols Medal in 1990/91 after being equal runner-up in 1986/87.

NT captain five times, Michael has represented the NTFL on 20 occasions since 1985 to be all time games record holder for NT Representative matches.

Gold medal winner of the Northern Territory 1995 Arafura Sports Festival football representative team. Michael also had the honour of being selected as a member of the "Back to Cyclone Tracy NTFL team of 2 Decades" (1974-1994).

Michael extended his games record to 313 in the 1998/99 Grand Final.

Michael's outstanding career can be summarised as one of the greatest centre-half back's to grace Gardens Oval and Football Park with his no nonsense approach and coolness under pressure have been the hallmark of his career.