As the saying goes, behind every successful sports club, there is an extraordinary individual tirelessly working behind the scenes.
And in the case of the Oakleigh Cannons, that individual is none other than the remarkable Akis Ionnas.
With a fervent dedication and unwavering support, Ionnas has undoubtedly earned himself the title of the Cannons’ backbone, a title that he wears with pride.
As the general manager, he not only plays an essential role in the success of the Greek-Australian club, but he also embodies the spirit and values of the tight-knit community that is the Oakleigh Cannons.
Whether it’s through his exceptional leadership or his unwavering love for the team, Ionnas has cemented his place in the hearts of all those associated with the Cannons. After all, it’s not just a club, but a family.
This is something that Ionnas emphasises at every opportunity.
“The board may be unchanged, but that is because we are like a tight-knit family. And with the unwavering support of our amazing sponsors and devoted fans, I must say we have truly cemented Cannons as the top team in all of Victoria. Our success can be attributed to the seamless running of things both on and off the field. From the rising stars of our junior team under the guidance of Mr. Yiannis Kostopoulos, who never fails to impress with his hard working spirit, to the seasoned veterans on our senior team who have racked up an impressive number of achievements in recent years. So here’s a big round of applause to our dedicated team, both on and off the field, for making the Cannons the powerhouse that we are today.”
The construction of the new sports facilities at Jack Edwards Reserve is a monumental step towards the future of the club.
“I am beyond excited for the new facilities that will soon grace our stadium. The thought of elegant upstairs rooms and a state-of-the-art press room leave me absolutely thrilled. But it’s not just about appearances, this development will truly elevate our game. With dedicated spaces for different functions, our team will have everything they need to reach their full potential. It’s not just about the economic benefits, although those are certainly a plus. What truly excites me is the potential this new format holds for our club. From a fully-equipped gym to a top-notch restaurant and offices, this facility will have it all. I can’t wait to see the finished product and I have no doubt it will be perfect in every way. It’s an incredible step forward for our club.”
The new season’s roster is expected to have significant changes compared to the one that won the title in 2024.
“There will be some changes. Valentini is no longer with us, but we have already found a replacement for him who, in my personal opinion, is better. His name is John Knowles and he played for us in 2022. He is an incredible football player and a wonderful young man. We have signed him for a three-year contract and I am confident that he will achieve great things in our team. Wellsmore, Kubilay, and Bisetto have also left, but like in Stefano’s case, we have already found replacements for them, along with our coach and Giannis Ioannou. We have signed Campbell Strong, a 22-year-old player, Matthew Dench from the English Under-21s team Charlton, Duratovic from Victory, and Bayew from Green Gully. Additionally, we have secured another player from England, but we will announce his name next month.”
But the additions this year will not be limited only to the field.
“There will be new additions to the club’s management team. Specifically, we aim to add women to the board to contribute to the organization and improve its distinctiveness. It is important to have fresh perspectives and new ideas in any organization. We will make announcements regarding these changes in the near future.”
Ionnas holds a great deal of respect for Chris Taylor, the team’s coach. He believes that Taylor was the main reason for the club’s success in the 2024 season.
“Chris Taylor is the real MVP of coaches in Victoria. This guy has got game, and it’s not just limited to the field. With an extensive track record of winning titles, he has proven time and time again that he’s got the skills and the strategy to bring home the silverware. And let me tell you, he may be a modest individual, but he’s got more experience than most coaches could dream of. Chris Taylor truly is a mastermind, and I bow down to his coaching prowess.”
Which clubs do you think will star this year and what is his opinion of the other Greek Australian teams?
“Hume has caught my eye as a worthy adversary for our team. The guys at Heidelberg United seem to know what they’re doing and I have no doubt they’ll give us a run for our money in the upcoming 2025 season. Despite their impressive run in the regular season and the Australian Cup last season, South Melbourne will likely retain the same playing style they’ve had for the last few seasons. Let’s be real, they’re all about those free throws and I highly doubt they’ll stray from that method. As for the Port Melbourne Sharks, I must admit I haven’t been keeping up with their latest news. But one thing’s for sure, next season’s championship will be one hell of a battle with all these talented teams duking it out for the top spot. Bring it on.”
The feeling he has in relation to the latest developments in the matter of the second national tier is positive.
“At the end of next year, our facilities will be ready. If we finish in first place again, we will be able to participate in the Champions League as I call it. If we finish in the top spot, we will sign the CPA and join the tournament. We have everything we need – a great pitch, a strong team, and full availability of our facilities 12 months a year. Our board is united and our sponsors and fans are fully supportive. This tournament is a positive step forward, but we must wait and see if it will actually begin and how it will progress.”
