Image: Mark Avellino
Hume City’s busy post-season transfer activity continues with the acquisition of fullback Kris Kioussis from Richmond SC.
The 23-year-old joins his sixth senior club in Victoria following stints at Bentleigh Greens, Dandenong Thunder, Oakleigh Cannons, Port Melbourne and Richmond SC – including now his fourth club in three seasons.
He was handed his VPL debut at the tender age of 16, under the stewardship of John Anastasiadis at the Oakleigh Cannons, arriving in South America via a short stint at Dandenong Thunder. He then spent time in the youth set-up of Argentinian powerhouse Club Atlético Independiente alongside current Melbourne Victory midfielder Rashid Mahazi between 2011-12.
Upon his return to Australia in 2013, he linked up once more with former mentor Anastasiadis at the Bentleigh Greens, making 16 appearances in a successful season for the club, which finished third on the ladder and lost the Grand Final to Northcote City.
The exciting left-sided player then made the move to Dandenong Thunder where – under the guidance of Dean Hennessey – he flourished in a wing-back role in the same breakout year as Matt Millar. He featured consistently at George Andrews Reserve, making 24 appearances and adding a goal in a fruitful season.
His impressive form saw him secure a move to the Cannons for a second spell in 2015, but injury curtailed his impact as he went on to make just two starts in eight appearances for the club. Kioussis then made a mid-season move to Port Melbourne, where he made nine appearances for Eric Vassiliadis’ men in the back half of the season.
The fullback spent time with South Melbourne in the pre-season, travelling with the club for a pre-season tour in Sydney, before deciding on a move to Richmond. There he notched a full season under his belt, one of Richmond’s better players albeit in a season which ultimately ended in relegation.
He joins Hume City and will play in the left-back role previously occupied by the likes of Shaun Timmins, Ivan Pavlak, Charlie Beverley and even Shane Rexhepi.