They say good things come to those that wait. For Les Doumbalis, the longest serving member of the current Heidelberg United team, the wait has been worth it as he continues to reap rewards.
Doumbalis has been at the club for 10 years and just last Sunday was able to celebrate his first top tier championship medal when the Bergers defeated Avondale 2-1 in the NPL Grand Final.
“I’ve been waiting 10 years for this moment,” he said speaking post-match.
“It’s a huge victory for us and a massive milestone for the club.”
Doumbalis’ preparation for the Grand Final was disrupted by a recent family bereavement; he began Sunday’s match at AAMi Park on the subs bench, but was thrown into the fray earlier than expected, when central defender Steven Pace, was forced off in the 30th minute after aggravating a previous shoulder injury.
Doumbalis had to draw on his energy reserves late in the second half when alongside his fellow defenders, they had to repel a desperate Avondale throwing men forward looking for a late equaliser.
“We were under the pump. They were constantly coming at us. We did everything we could. We threw our bodies in and did everything we could to get that ball away from the goals so we did a good job at that,” Doumbalis said.
As well as his reliable defensive work, Doumbalis played a part in a crucial piece of Heidelberg’s offensive play when he provided the pass to Andrew Cartanos in space in the attacking third. Cartanos turned and scored a wonderful 25 metre goal which put the Bergers in the driving seat.
Doumbalis exemplifies the great team spirit and culture at Olympic Village. Club President Steven Tsalikidis commented on this after the game, praising both Doumbalis and Paul O’Brien who both had to come into the side under-prepared to do a job.
“I think they did very well. For a lot of them it’s all about the heart. They play for each other. They play for the shirt, for the club. I’ve never seen a bunch of players that actually play for the jumper, play for the people. As you can see, the supporters respect the players and the players love the supporters. We’ve got a very high focus on our culture. And I think it’s paid off. It’s five years in the making.
“And to Kats (coach George Katsakis) and Jeff (Olver) and to Luke byles and our leadership team like Steve Pace, Chris Theodoridis, they’re an amazing bunch. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with a club like Heidelberg and a playing group like that. I love them dearly and if I was 30 years younger, I’d want to be out there with them fighting every battle.”
