Having played his 150th match with Campbelltown City earlier this year, Vas Parhas has the unique opportunity to bow out of the game he loves basked in the ultimate glory of winning another National Premier League title.

We caught up with him to discuss how and when he knew his time was up, his love for Campbelltown City and what his future holds.

Q: Hi Vas,

Thanks for your time.

After the high of the 2013 title, and then a couple of disappointing years in 2014 & 2015, did you feel your chance to win another title had gone?

VP: I've always approached each year with the belief that we could win the title. This year’s team is hungrier than ever to improve on previous years and hopefully to replicate the clubs success in 2013. We've worked tirelessly since pre season began in December last year and our efforts have resulted in the opportunity to play for silverware on Saturday.

Q: At what moment did you realise that this season would be your last? How did this moment come about?

VP: My body has been giving me signs that it might be time to slow down for a while and despite my best efforts to ignore those signs, about a month ago I accepted the reality - my body would not be able to withstand the rigours of another season.

I feel privileged that I've been able to play my last year with the most incredible teammates anyone could wish for. They are like brothers to me and they've helped get the absolute best out of me on and off the field and I've had an absolute blast in the process.

I've also been blessed to have had Joe Mullen as my coach for the last four years. He's a master tactician, an astute leader and a brilliant communicator but above all else he's genuine and he's honest and he will continue to be one of my most revered role models.

Q: Aside from the 2013 title, are there any particular Campbelltown City highlights of yours which you can reflect on? Why?

VP: There are too many highlights to list them all but here are a few:

- My son Giorgio and daughter Panae joining in regularly at First Team training. The kindness they've been shown by Joe, Assistant Coach Tony Scalzi, Goalkeeper Coach Eddie Scalzi, Team Manager Chic and my team mates has meant the world to me as a father.

- Joe Mullen’s pre-match stories. From koalas to Mark Philippoussis to Craig Foster to Tower Heist... Absolute gold.

- The amazing support shown by the club when my grandmother passed away earlier this year. Led by Don Leombruno and Dusan Uglesic, the love and generosity shown to my family will never be forgotten.

- Lorrie Centofanti (Lozza) leading our post-match song 'Campbelltown and glory' with his trademark voice and infectious laugh

- Getting the chance to play with two of the club's absolute legends in Dom Signoriello and Michael Menechella .

- Being privileged to have arguably the greatest ever Campbelltown City player, Tony Scalzi, as an Assistant Coach in my last year.

- Getting chaired off the ground last week in my last home game and having my wife Tanya and the kids sing the club song with us.

Q: What’s next for Vas Parhas in football?

VP: I'd love to get involved in coaching at some stage. Football is my life's passion and I genuinely enjoy studying the game and working with people. Before I dive in though there are a few things I'd like to tick off the bucket list first like an overseas holiday with the family.

I'm also looking forward to spending some quality time at home and getting around to those projects I was meant finish 15 years ago.

Q: How do the boys rate their chances this weekend? Considering the lack of luck over the initial two legs.

VP: Adelaide City deserves respect and will be a tough opponent. We know we have to be at our best and we are looking forward to embracing the challenge. We have played with tremendous belief, work ethic and confidence all year and we will carry that into Saturday's game.

Q: With the young players coming through the ranks at Campbelltown and the results that Joe Mullen is getting from your side, how big a decision for you to make was the call to retire?

VP: Making the decision to stop doing something you've loved for 20 odd years is very difficult. However you have to be pragmatic and there is a certain sense of dignity and self pride that comes into consideration. It would be selfish to play on if you can't wholeheartedly commit to the cause for whatever reason. You want to be remembered for playing good football right to the end, not for hanging on.

I have every confidence in the current group of players at the club. I think they have a genuine opportunity to build a dynasty of success for the club in the coming years. Joe and Tony will continue to get the very best out of them.

Q: What was it like around the group when you told them of your plans?

VP: There was a mixture of emotions. I choked up and couldn't really get my words out. The lads were brilliant. There was a fair bit of hugging happening, plenty of banter and the odd 'about time' and 'fossil' joke. We spent some time reminiscing about good times over pizzas at the club which was a great way to end the night.

Q: Lastly, how perfect would it be for the last game to end in a title?

VP: Not many players get the opportunity to play for a title in their last game, so I'm honoured just to be part of it. To win it would be a dream...

 

Thanks again for your time, Vas, and good luck this weekend and beyond.

 

Written by Luke Sale

Photo by Adam Butler