Given that there’s now an International Day for pretty much everything – from Cheese Toasties [15th September] and Chocolate Pecan Pie [20th August] to Talking Like A Pirate [19th September] – we think we’re well within our rights to declare today International Vas Kalogeracos Day!
Admittedly, today’s date is not an especially significant one as far the former Glory fans’ favourite is concerned, but then neither is 15th September when it comes to cheese toasties, unless we’re missing something here.
So why Vas?
Well, his record of 22 goals in 60 appearances for the club between 1996 and 2000 is a good place to start, as is the fact that he was the first player ever to score a hat-trick for Glory in a competitive game [against South Melbourne in April 1997].
But it wasn’t just his goals that endeared the striker to the Perth Oval faithful during those formative seasons, it was his powerful, explosive style, his ability to outwit far bigger opponents and the way his character shone through when he played.
Kalogeracos was eminently relatable to those watching on from The Shed, very much a man of the people and even today, the mention of his name invariably prompts a broad smile of joyous recollection from Glory fans of a certain vintage.
Now 43, the Perth local will always be synonymous with those heady early days of the club, but what are your memories of the man who also plied his trade for Birmingham City and Stockport County in England and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur FA?
As always with Retro Corner, we’d love you to be a part of the conversation.
Let us know via Facebook HERE or Twitter HERE and help celebrate International Vas Kalogeracos Day!
Main photo courtesy of Richard Kreider
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