The late Con Economos, a pioneer in South Australian football and Greek Australian sports journalism, has been posthumously inducted as a 2025 Life Member of Football South Australia for his work in West Adelaide ‘Hellas’ SC . The honour was ratified at Football SA’s Annual General Meeting on May 14, marking long-overdue recognition for a man who dedicated much of his life to the beautiful game and his community.
His son, Dimitri Economos, first approached Football SA three years ago to request formal recognition for his father’s significant contributions.
“They emailed me three days ago that he has been recognised posthumously as the inaugural treasurer for West Adelaide Hellas and as a sports journalist,” Dimitri told Neos Kosmos.
“My mother, Vaso, and my family – including of my children, one who carries my father’s name – are very proud of the honour bestowed on him.”
West Adelaide Hellas SC became a founding member of Australia’s National Soccer in 1977 and, a year later, became the first South Australian team to be crowned champion of a national competition.
“I was there when we took the championship in 1978, I as only 13” said Dimitri.
The nomination of Con Economos was endorsed by both the Football SA Board and the Football SA Awards and Honours Committee before being ratified by its members at the AGM.
Born in Athikia, Corinthia, on 5 October 1930, Con Economos migrated to Australia in 1955. Over the next six decades, he would leave an indelible mark on Australian football, journalism, and the Greek Australian community in South Australia.
His football journey began in 1947 as a player for Teneatis of Athikia in Greece. In Australia, he became a driving force behind West Adelaide Hellas SC, serving as an administrator from 1963 to 1990. As the club’s inaugural treasurer his leadership and vision helped shape its foundational years and lasting success.
Equally influential was Economos’s role as a journalist. He began writing for Neos Kosmos in 1963 and went on to contribute to key Greek-language publications including Ellinika Nea (1979–1988), The Greek Tribune (1995–2010), and Kyriake (1970–1971). He also wrote for Neos Pirsos and was a beloved voice on 5EBI FM community radio during the 1980s and 1990s. His work earned him an NSL media card in 1984, a symbol of his respected status in sports media.
“My father worked as a sports journalist for Neos Kosmos and many other Greek Australian media outlets,” Dimitri said.
“His recognition as both an administrator, and sports journalist, is a unique honour.”
His widow, Vaso Economos, also expressed her pride in the posthumous accolade, calling her husband a “pivotal member of the Hellas community.”
Con Economos was also a contributor to the broader Greek Australian community. From 1956 until his death in 2020, he was active in the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, supporting cultural, religious, and social programs that enriched the lives of thousands.
Economos passed away on February 23, 2020, aged 89. He now takes his place among South Australian and Australian football greats such as John Aloisi, George Fotopoulos, and James Troisi, on Life Member honour roll.
The 2025 Life Member inductees will be formally acknowledged and presented with their awards during the RAA National Premier League and/or Apex Steel Women’s National Premier League Grand Final at Service FM Stadium in September.
