Stamatellis returns home

There is no place like home and Mitchell Stamatellis truly feels that meaning after rejoining Sydney Olympic for the 2016 PlayStation 4 National Premier League NSW men’s top tier competition.

Stamatellis played his youth football through the ranks at Olympic before making his first grade debut for the side as a 17-year-old.

After moving to Sydney United 58 FC for four seasons, Stamatellis has made the move back and is looking forward the challenge ahead.

“I was travelling quite a bit at Sydney United 58 FC and the opportunity came up at Olympic so I took it,” he said.

“I loved it at United and still have plenty of mates there. We have already spotted when we are playing them at Edensor Park which will be a tough match.

“Coming back to Olympic, I fit in really quickly because we have a great bunch of guys.

“We have a good young team at Olympic under Zorbs (Peter Zorbas) and Grant (Lee) who are very laid back and send their message to us well.”

Stamatellis will be one of the more experienced players in a youthful line up at Belmore following a raft of roster changes in the off-season and is ready to play anywhere the team need him.

“I’m happy to play either in the midfield or at centre back but I am probably more likely to play at the back this year,” he said.

“Like I said it’s a young team at Olympic and I think Grant wants us to have a strong spine.

“Howie (Fondyke) will be in the middle of the park as well so I think we will be covered.

“I like moving forward every now and then as well so we will see how the season goes.”

-By Chris Georges