With the smoke from the thousands of flares still hanging in the sky, a jubilant AEK crowd makes for the exits following a historic 4-1 win in the first ever game at their new stadium.
Hanging back to soak up the atmosphere are three guys from Melbourne who can’t believe their luck.
Con Terzoglou, George Fermanis and Arrian Savvas all flew from Melbourne to Athens to be there as the new stadium was inaugurated and then hosted its first game last month.
Now they are back in Melbourne in time for another celebration, as the AEK Original 21 fan club of Melbourne celebrates its 20th anniversary this Saturday 5 November at Kathisma in Fairfield.
Before the big celebration, Terzoglou, Fermanis and Savvas spoke to Neos Kosmos about their experience in Athens, and the importance of having a local supporters club in Melbourne.
All three have been members of Original Melbourne since 2002 when the club was first launched, and although they have visited Greece to watch AEK play before, last month’s trip was the most special for all three.
“It meant a lot to be part of this historic moment, to be in Athens for the launch of the new stadium and the first game to be played there,” said Terzoglou.
Having never attended a game at AEK’s old Nikos Goumas Stadium, this was the first time all three saw AEK play a game in its own stadium.
“Being at the launch and the first game at Nea Philadelphia was very important as I never had the chance to experience the old Nikos Goumas,” added Fermanis.
Savvas said it was an experience he will never forget, and can’t wait to share with other members of Original Melbourne when they meet this weekend.
“To be there, after 19 years of being a homeless club, back where the club had its first ground among the refugees of 1922 was truly amazing. The club feels whole once more,” Savvas said.
“The opening night was a great dedication, as is the stadium, to the refugees of Asia Minor, and origins of this historical club which can never be forgotten,” he added.
Fermanis too was caught up in the emotion of attending the historic event.
“Once we arrived at the stadium I felt proud that AEK finally had a stadium that truly reflects its history and how great it was to share this with my friends from Melbourne club.”
The trio also attended the first game to be played at the stadium, and saw AEK defeat Ionikos 4-1.
“To be surrounded by such positive energy throughout the entire stadium, and to see the joy on people’s faces as the noise continued to get louder and louder. To share that moment with two close friends who have been part of the club for 20 years is truly something I’ll never forget,” Terzoglou said about the experience.
The trio are now looking forward to this Saturday’s event as Original Melbourne celebrates its 20th anniversary.
They say the club continues to be open to anyone that loves AEK and welcome any supporter to join them this Saturday night at Kathisma or at one of the many other events they host throughout the year.
Our doors are open to whoever wants to come and watch a game with other AEK supporters. The times of the games are difficult to attend frequently, so we organise social functions at friendlier times to meet like-minded AEK people.
