South Melbourne FC is saddened to learn of the recent passing of George Patralis, a keen South supporter for 58 years.
In 1954, Mr Patralis moved from Greece to Australia. He spent his early years in Melbourne involved with Hellenic Soccer Club, which later merged with Yarra Park and then South Melbourne United to form South Melbourne Hellas.
As a passionate supporter, Mr Patralis rarely missed a South Melbourne fixture home or away, until ill health prevented him from regularly attending around five years ago.
He started taking his son Con to games from when he was five years of age, with Con recalling sitting down on the inside of the fence at Middle Park with other kids his age. 51 years later, Con continues his father’s legacy by nearly always attending all of South’s matches.
In Con’s own words, “my dad George Patralis is a true South Melbourne man, a true Hellas man, and a true Hellenic man.”
SMFC President, Leo Athanasakis, offered condolences on behalf of the club. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of a man that has been supporting South Melbourne since its establishment in 1959. I send our club’s condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of Mr George Patralis, who was a true supporter of our great club.”
(Photo by Kevin Juggins)