South Melbourne FC is saddened to announce that Dimi Tsiaras has retired from playing football.
Tsiaras – along with Brad Norton- was the longest-serving current South player, having arrived at Lakeside Stadium at the beginning of the 2012 Victorian Premier League season. In his three seasons, Dimi represented the Club on 40 occasions (34 League games and 6 Dockerty Cup games). He played as a utility player and covered a variety of positions including defensive midfield, centre-back and right back. Dimi also had leadership roles, acting as both vice-captain and as captain at various times during his three years at Lakeside Stadium. His lone goal that he scored during his time at South was in the 2-1 win against the Oakleigh Cannons on Sunday 8 July 2012 at Lakeside Stadium.
Most pleasing for South Melbourne FC was that one of their own had represented the Club as a player with distinction. Dimi grew up supporting South and would often go to games with his father Nick, who is still a passionate South fan to this day and who was obviously delighted when his son signed for the Club in 2012. At 30 years of age, Dimi was the oldest player in the 2014 South Melbourne squad but despite being limited to just nine appearances during the season (six League, three Cup), he was very much a part of the squad that won the NPL Victoria Championship. As a result, he retires as a Championship winner with his boyhood Club, just like George Tzirtis did in 2006.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Tsiaras said “I would like to thank the Club for the three seasons that I have been here. Everyone involved at the Club have been fantastic and I am glad that I have finished my playing days with South winning a premiership. I could not see my body back up for another year, especially preseason after playing thirteen seasons in Victorian football”.
South Melbourne FC thanks Dimi Tsiaras for his wonderful contribution to the Club and wishes him all the very best in retirement from football.