South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that midfielder Stephen Hatzikostas has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Club until the end of the 2017 season.
Hatzikostas arrived at Lakeside Stadium during the 2014 winter transfer window and very quickly established himself as a regular starter. He played thirteen matches last season and helped South win the League Championship. Unfortunately, he ruptured his ACL in the Australian NPL Playoff match against South Hobart in September 2014 and suffered a setback for 2015.
After working hard to recover from his injury, Hatzikostas returned to the field as a substitute against the Bentleigh Greens on 28 June. Since that game, he has started in every match and helped South to win the Dockerty Cup (2 August) and the PS4 NPL Victoria Premier’s Plate (23 August). To date he has played a total of 25 matches across all competitions for the Club.
Speaking with smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was understandably pleased to have secured the Hatzikostas’ contract extension. “There are very few people who understand the hard work and personal sacrifices that Stephen undertook to return from injury as quickly as he has. Our record when Stevie plays is extraordinary and are very happy that he will be with us until at least the end of 2017.”