Image: Graeme Furlong
Eric Vassiliadis has stood down as Port Melbourne Sharks coach after six years of service at JL Murphy Reserve.
The multiple promotion-winning and state league title-winning coach started when the club was still in State League 2, going all the way to VPL/NPL consolidation.
He finishes up after a season that started with much promise as the Sharks seemed to close in on a finals spot, before a post mid-season slump saw the club need a late win to avoid a relegation scrap.
Final day as PMSC coach. Amazing 7 year journey & honour to be part of a great club with great people. Thanks to all coaches/players & club.
— Eric Vassiliadis (@eckers06) August 21, 2016
The former player with the likes of Northcote City, Fawkner Blues, Whittlesea Zebras and Heidelberg (a VPL title winner with the latter) took over in 2010 with Port still in state league 2, at a time when he was still playing.
The club took out the North-west title that year and were promoted to State One, with Vassiliadis scoring five times that season.
In 2011 the Sharks hit the ground running and finished third, narrowly missing out on promotion – Vassiliadis was still player-coaching.
However, the club continued to improve in 2012 and were promoted after finishing second behind Pascoe Vale. They also made a run to the state knockout cup, losing to treble winners Dandenong Thunder.
VPL consolidation in 2013 saw Port Melbourne finish in sixth spot after a 10-year absence from the state’s top flight.
After being granted a licence for the NPL in 2014, Port had a harder time in the league, just surviving with literally one of the last kicks of the season when a 95th minute equaliser from Connor Reddan against Werribee City ensured both clubs survived at the expense of Ballarat Red Devils.
Similar themes were experienced in 2015 and 16 as the club raced out of the blocks both times, looking at best finals dark horses and at worst a mid-table side, however late-season fadeouts meant the club lost momentum and key playing personnel.
Vassiliadis will depart the club as a loyal servant who achieved three years of survival in the NPL after a steady rise through the state leagues into the VPL.
“On behalf of the whole Sharks community, we sincerely thank Eric and his family for their sacrifices over the years and their never-ending support of the club. We wish Eric all the best for whatever lies ahead,” the club said via press release.