One of the Western Magpies’ greatest clubmen celebrates a huge milestone at home against Aspley on Saturday and at a function that night.
Thursday 1 July 2010
Long serving Western Magpies captain Chris Mihalopoulos will play his 200th game for the club when they take on Aspley at Chelmer on Saturday.
Mihalopoulos may not receive heavy plaudits around other QAFL clubs but he is held in the highest esteem at the Magpies.
He has been a longtime on field leader at the club with 2010 his eighth year as captain of the club.
In 2010 his off-field involvement in the club has increased, becoming a board member and heading up the fundraising committee.
A local through and through Mihalopoulos was schooled at Sherwood State Primary School and Corinda State High School and played his junior football with Sherwood Juniors and achieved junior representative honors.
He made his senior debut in 1999 under the Sherwood banner at the age of 16 and from that point on has made a significant contribution to the club he loves.
Mihalopoulos was a squad member of the 2000 Queensland Scorpions Under 18 team, a senior South Queensland representative in 2000, 2005, 2006 and was vice-captain in 2008.
He won the Bill Peirce Medal for the Western Magpies best and fairest in 2004 and was runner-up in 2002, 2005 and 2007.
He captained the 2006 and 2008 Pineapple Hotel Cup Division 2 premiership teams.
Mihalopoulos has also had a coaching involvement at the club as an assistant for the under 18 team in 2007 and an assistant coach with the reserves in 2009 following a season-ending ACL injury on the eve of Round 1.
Western Magpies club development manager Anthony McDonald was lavish in his praise of outstanding black-and-whites stalwart.
“From the first day I walked into the club it was obvious to me how vital Mika’s leadership is across all areas,” McDonald said.
“Unfortunately I did not witness what a key ingredient his leadership was on field until his return this year.
“He is a great leader and clubman, and the players and supporters have a great opportunity to show their appreciation this week by turning up to the game and Black and White night on Saturday night to celebrate with him.
“Footy gods willing, we can honor Mika’s milestone with a breakthrough win at QAFL level over Aspley – he thoroughly deserves it.”
The Black and White Night is the Magpies’ annual social club and football club fundraiser.
Saturday night’s function starts at 6.30pm with tickets $30 per person or $250 for a table of 10.
The price includes a two-course meal and a lucky door prize. The dress is a black-and-white theme, and there will be auctions, raffles, games and music.
Tickets are available from Mick on 3379 5528.
